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Know your Neta

1. Narendra Modi


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Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, rose from humble beginnings to become the 14th Prime Minister of India in 2014, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prior to his political career, Modi worked for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, and served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 7, 2001, until May 22, 2014, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers of the state.

Modi's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by several notable achievements. His government launched initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), Digital India, Make in India, and Ayushman Bharat, aimed at transforming various sectors and improving the lives of citizens. He implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a significant tax reform, and demonetization in 2016, aimed at combating corruption and black money.
Internationally, Modi has worked to enhance India's global standing, fostering relationships with major powers and neighbouring countries. He's also been an advocate for environmental issues, particularly through the International Solar Alliance.
In 2024, Narendra Modi became the second leader after Jawaharlal Nehru to serve as Prime Minister of India for a third consecutive term. His re-election solidified his position as a dominant figure in Indian politics, reflecting both his widespread popularity and the strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under his leadership.

2. Amit Shah

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Amit Shah, born on October 22, 1964, in Mumbai, is a prominent Indian politician and the current Minister of Home Affairs since 2019. He began his political career with the RSS and the BJP's youth wing, eventually becoming an MLA in Gujarat, serving from 1997 to 2012. Shah held key ministerial roles in the Gujarat government, including Home, Law, and Transport, from 2002 to 2010.
Closely associated with Narendra Modi, Shah became BJP President in 2014, masterminding the party's major electoral successes in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, along with several state elections. His tenure as Home Minister has been marked by significant policy decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Known for his strategic acumen and organizational skills, Shah has played a pivotal role in strengthening the BJP's grassroots network.

3. Rajnath Singh

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Rajnath Singh, born on July 10, 1951, in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, is a senior Indian politician and the current Minister of Defence since 2019. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as an MLA in Uttar Pradesh from 1977 to 1980 and again from 2000 to 2002. Singh was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2000 to 2002 and also held key ministerial roles in the state government.
At the national level, Rajnath Singh served as the Minister of Surface Transport from 1999 to 2000, the Minister of Agriculture from 2003 to 2004, and the Minister of Home Affairs from 2014 to 2019. As BJP President from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014, he played a crucial role in strengthening the party and leading it to electoral victories.
As Defence Minister, Singh has overseen major policy initiatives, including efforts to modernize the armed forces and enhance national security. Known for his administrative skills and strategic vision, he has been a significant figure in Indian politics, balancing roles in both state and central governments.

4. J P Nadda

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Jagat Prakash Nadda, commonly known as JP Nadda, was born on December 2, 1960, in Patna, Bihar. He is a prominent Indian politician and the current President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2020. Nadda began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, and later joined the BJP.
Nadda served as an MLA in Himachal Pradesh from 1993 to 2012, where he held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Forest, Environment, Science, and Technology.
At the national level, JP Nadda was appointed as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare from 2014 to 2019. During this period, he led several significant health initiatives, including the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aimed to provide health insurance to millions of poor families.

5. Nitin Gadkari

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Nitin Gadkari, born on May 27, 1957, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is a prominent Indian politician and senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He currently serves as the Minister for Road Transport and Highways and the Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Starting his political career with the ABVP, Gadkari was an MLC in Maharashtra from 1989 to 2015 and served as Maharashtra's BJP President from 2004 to 2009. As Public Works Minister, he was instrumental in the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
At the national level, Gadkari served as BJP President from 2009 to 2013. Since becoming a minister in 2014, he has overseen significant improvements in India's road infrastructure. Notable projects include the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, set to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities, and the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, which enhances connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. He also led the construction of major bridges such as the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge in Assam, the longest bridge in India.
These projects have improved connectivity, reduced travel times, and boosted economic activity. Gadkari introduced innovative financing models and promoted sustainable practices in infrastructure development, ensuring long-term benefits for the country's transportation network.

6. Nirmala Sitarman

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Nirmala Sitharaman, born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Indian politician and the former Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs from 2019 to 2022. She began her political career with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has held various significant positions within the party.
Sitharaman served as a spokesperson for the BJP and was appointed as the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in 2014, later promoted to the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs. In 2017, she became the first full-time female Defence Minister of India, where she worked on modernizing the armed forces and enhancing national security measures.
As Finance Minister, Sitharaman implemented several policies. She introduced reforms in taxation, banking, and corporate governance, and played a crucial role in navigating the Indian economy through various domestic and global challenges.

7. Shivaraj Singh Chauhan

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Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a prominent face of Madhya Pradesh politics, has not only served three consecutive terms as Chief Minister but has also expanded his influence onto the national stage. Born on March 5, 1959, in Jait, Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan's political journey began in the early 1980s, culminating in his appointment as the Agriculture Minister of India in the current administration. This new role, alongside his proven leadership, underscores his deep understanding of agricultural issues and his commitment to farmers' welfare nationwide.
Throughout his tenure as Chief Minister, Chouhan spearheaded numerous developmental initiatives, including schemes like "Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana" and "Ladli Laxmi Yojana," focusing on agriculture, education, and healthcare. His re-election and elevation to a national role signify the trust and confidence placed in him, solidifying his stature as a seasoned statesman and a key figure in Indian politics.

8. S Jaishankar

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Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, born on January 9, 1955, in New Delhi, India, is a distinguished Indian diplomat and politician, currently serving as the Minister of External Affairs since 2019. He has had an illustrious career in both diplomacy and government service.
Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 and has held several key diplomatic positions, including serving as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2014 to 2015, Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, and High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009, among others.
As Minister of External Affairs, Jaishankar has played a pivotal role in shaping India's foreign policy and strengthening its diplomatic relations with various countries across the globe. He has been instrumental in navigating India's stance on key international issues, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing strategic partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Under Jaishankar's leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs has focused on promoting India's interests on the global stage, addressing challenges such as regional security, trade, and climate change, while also working towards maintaining peace and stability in the South Asian region and beyond.

9. Rahul Gandhi

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Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, into the Nehru-Gandhi family, is an Indian politician who has served as the Vice President of the Indian National Congress and as a Member of Parliament. He hails from a family deeply entrenched in Indian politics, with his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and father, Rajiv Gandhi, both serving as Prime Ministers of India.
Educated at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Trinity College, Cambridge, Rahul Gandhi has been involved in politics from a young age. He has represented the constituency of Wayanad in Kerala and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh and he secured victory in both constituencies. previously he served Wayanad and Amethi.
Despite facing criticism and scrutiny, Gandhi has made efforts to modernize and rejuvenate the Indian National Congress party, aiming to connect with the younger demographic and promote grassroots activism. His political journey has seen highs and lows, including electoral victories and setbacks.
Gandhi has been vocal on various socio-economic issues, advocating for farmers' rights, minority empowerment, and social justice. While his political career continues to evolve, Rahul Gandhi remains a significant figure in Indian politics, shaping the discourse and direction of the Congress party.

10. Mallikarjun Khadge

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Mallikarjun Kharge, currently serving as a National President of the Indian National Congress, born on July 21, 1942, is a distinguished Indian politician renowned for his extensive tenure within the Indian National Congress. With a career spanning decades, Kharge has occupied several ministerial roles within the Karnataka state government from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. His diverse portfolio included serving as Minister for Finance, Excise, Home, Labour, and Revenue, showcasing his commitment to public service at the state level. Later, in 2009, he transitioned to national politics and was elected to the Lok Sabha, representing the Gulbarga constituency.
Since his entry into national politics, Kharge has been a prominent voice in advocating for the interests of Karnataka on the national stage. His unwavering dedication to social justice and the upliftment of marginalized communities has been a cornerstone of his political ideology. Kharge has been a vocal advocate for welfare initiatives and policies aimed at fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity for all citizens.
A firm believer in secularism and democratic principles, Kharge has earned widespread admiration for his integrity and steadfastness in upholding these values. His leadership transcends partisan divides, earning respect from colleagues across the political spectrum. Throughout his tenure, Mallikarjun Kharge has remained committed to advancing the welfare of the people and promoting the values of inclusivity and equality in Indian politics.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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