Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, popularly known as B.C. Khanduri, is a respected politician and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He has also served as a senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and as a Member of Parliament. Before entering politics, he had a distinguished career in the Indian Army, retiring as a Major General. Known for his discipline, honesty, and commitment to public service, Khanduri has made significant contributions to infrastructure development and governance reforms.
Early Life and Education
Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri was born on October 1, 1934, in Dehradun, which was then part of British India. His father, Jai Ballabh Khanduri, was a journalist, while his mother, Durga Devi Khanduri, was a social activist. From an early age, Khanduri showed a strong sense of discipline and leadership.
He pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree before completing a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering. His quest for knowledge did not stop there. He went on to earn a Master of Industrial Engineering (M.I.E.) and also pursued various specialized courses in defense management, administrative behavior, and leadership. His education took him to prestigious institutions such as Allahabad University, the College of Military Engineering in Pune, and the Defence Services Staff College in England and India.
Military Career
Khanduri joined the Indian Army in 1954 and served in the Corps of Engineers. His career spanned nearly four decades, during which he held various important positions:
- Commander of a regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak war
- Chief Engineer in the Army
- Additional Director General in the Engineer-in-Chief’s division
- Additional Military Secretary at Army Headquarters
In recognition of his exceptional service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 1982. He retired in 1991 as a Major General, a rank that reflects his significant contributions to the Indian Army.
Entry into Politics
After retiring from the army, Khanduri entered politics, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He contested the 1991 Lok Sabha elections and won a seat from the Garhwal constituency in Uttarakhand. This marked the beginning of a long and impactful political career.
Role in the Vajpayee Government
In 2000, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister of India, Khanduri was appointed as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Road Transport and Highways. Later, in 2003, he was promoted to Cabinet Minister. Under his leadership, India saw significant improvements in its highway network, including the implementation of the Golden Quadrilateral Project and the North-South and East-West Corridor Project. His work in infrastructure earned him immense respect within and outside the party.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand twice:
- First Term (2007-2009)
- Focused on reducing government expenditure.
- Strengthened anti-corruption measures.
- Initiated reforms in governance and administration.
- Second Term (2011-2012)
- Passed a strong Lokayukta Bill to curb corruption.
- Encouraged sustainable industrial development.
- Prioritized road and infrastructure projects.
During his tenure, Khanduri was known for his clean governance and strict discipline. His Lokayukta Bill was praised by social activist Anna Hazare, who urged other states to adopt similar measures.
2012 Uttarakhand Assembly Elections
In the 2012 elections, the BJP faced a tough battle in Uttarakhand. The party won only 31 out of 70 seats, and Khanduri himself lost his seat from Kotdwar. Following the defeat, he resigned as Chief Minister. Despite the loss, he remained an influential figure in Uttarakhand politics.
Member of Parliament (2014-2019)
In the 2014 General Elections, Khanduri won the Garhwal Lok Sabha seat by a large margin. During his tenure, he continued working on issues related to infrastructure, defense, and governance. However, he did not contest the 2019 elections, paving the way for younger leaders.
Contributions to Uttarakhand
Khanduri played a crucial role in shaping the development of Uttarakhand. Some of his key contributions include:
- Strengthening road infrastructure across the state.
- Promoting clean and transparent governance.
- Introducing strict anti-corruption laws.
- Encouraging eco-friendly industrial growth.
Personal Life
Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri is married to Aruna Khanduri. They have two children: Manish Khanduri (son) and Ritu Khanduri Bhushan (daughter). His daughter, Ritu Khanduri, followed in his footsteps and entered politics, becoming the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
Legacy and Public Image
Khanduri is widely respected for his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. Even though he is no longer active in mainstream politics, his influence on Uttarakhand remains strong. His efforts to develop infrastructure and fight corruption continue to inspire politicians and administrators.
B.C. Khanduri’s journey from an Army Major General to a respected politician is a testament to his dedication to public service. His leadership in infrastructure development, governance reforms, and anti-corruption measures has left a lasting impact on India, especially Uttarakhand. Even in retirement, he remains a symbol of honesty and discipline, inspiring future generations of leaders.
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