Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Constituency: Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Role: Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Early Life and Background:
Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah was born into the Tehri royal family on 23 September 1950. Her father-in-law was Maharaja Manabendra Shah, a prominent figure in Uttarakhand’s political landscape and former Member of Parliament from Tehri Garhwal. Her family background ties her closely with the region, which has long been a center of political influence due to its royal history.
She is often referred to as the “Maharani of Tehri” because of her royal lineage, making her a respected figure, especially among the traditional and rural populations of Uttarakhand. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah married Manujendra Shah, the son of Maharaja Manabendra Shah.
Political Career:
Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah ventured into active politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party. She contested the Tehri Garhwal by-election in 2012, following the resignation of Vijay Bahuguna, who left the seat after being appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. Mala Shah won the seat by a significant margin, becoming the first woman to represent Tehri Garhwal in the Lok Sabha.
Her victory in 2012 was a crucial one for the BJP as it marked their continued presence in the region, traditionally a stronghold for the Shah family. Since then, she has been re-elected in subsequent elections in 2014 and 2019, maintaining her seat and reinforcing her influence.
Achievements and Contributions:
- As a Member of Parliament, she has worked on various developmental issues concerning Uttarakhand, particularly with a focus on improving infrastructure, roads, and rural development in her constituency.
- Mala Shah has supported numerous initiatives related to women’s empowerment, health care, and education.
- Environmental issues, particularly related to the fragile ecology of the Himalayan region, have also been a focal point of her contributions.
Legacy and Influence:
Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is widely respected in Uttarakhand due to her royal lineage and her consistent political presence. Her continued electoral victories show that she has maintained a strong rapport with her constituents, leveraging both her family’s legacy and her political acumen.
Personal Life:
She remains closely connected with her roots in Tehri Garhwal and is known for maintaining strong ties with the people of her constituency, despite the royal stature. Her personal life, steeped in tradition, adds to her charm and appeal among her voters.
Notable Milestones:
- 2012: Elected to the Lok Sabha from Tehri Garhwal (by-election).
- 2014: Re-elected to the Lok Sabha.
- 2019: Successfully won the Tehri Garhwal seat for the third consecutive term.