Trivendra Singh Rawat is a well-known Indian politician and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the 8th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand from 2017 to 2021. With a long political career spanning over four decades, he has played a significant role in shaping Uttarakhand’s political landscape.
Recently, in 2024, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Haridwar in the Lok Sabha elections. This article highlights his early life, political journey, major achievements, and controversies.
Early Life and Education
Trivendra Singh Rawat was born on 20 December 1960 in Khairasain village, Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. He was the youngest among nine siblings in his family.
He pursued his Master’s degree in Journalism from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. His early years were influenced by social work and political activism, which later shaped his career in politics.
Entry into Politics
Rawat’s political journey began when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1979. As an RSS Pracharak (campaigner), he was actively involved in various social and political movements.
Later, he became a member of the BJP and played a crucial role in the Uttarakhand statehood movement. His dedication and leadership helped him rise through the party ranks.
Political Milestones
- 2000: After Uttarakhand became a separate state, Rawat was appointed as the BJP’s State President.
- 2002: He contested and won from the Doiwala constituency, becoming a Member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
- 2007-2012: He served as Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries in the Uttarakhand government.
- 2017: He won the Uttarakhand Assembly Elections and became the Chief Minister of the state.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (2017-2021)
On 18 March 2017, Trivendra Singh Rawat was sworn in as the 8th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after BJP secured a landslide victory in the state elections.
Key Achievements as Chief Minister
- Strengthening Infrastructure
- Launched major road and bridge projects to improve connectivity.
- Focused on rural development and better transport facilities.
- Boosting Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
- Promoted organic farming in Uttarakhand.
- Encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques.
- Employment & Skill Development
- Started various skill development programs for youth employment.
- Promoted investments in Uttarakhand to boost local industries.
- Tourism Development
- Promoted Char Dham Yatra and other pilgrimage sites.
- Encouraged eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
- Health & Education
- Strengthened the healthcare system by opening new hospitals.
- Focused on improving government schools and digital education.
Controversies and Resignation
Despite his contributions, Rawat’s tenure as CM was marked by controversies:
- Linguistic Controversy (2017): His preference for Garhwali language over Kumaoni sparked regional tensions.
- Cow Oxygen Statement (2019): He claimed that cows exhale oxygen, which led to criticism.
- Chamoli Flash Floods (2021): His government faced allegations of mismanagement during disaster relief efforts.
- COVID-19 Controversy (2021): He stated that coronavirus is a living organism with a right to live, which drew widespread criticism.
Due to internal party conflicts and rising dissent within the BJP, Rawat resigned as Chief Minister on 9 March 2021.
2024 Lok Sabha Elections
After taking a break from politics, Trivendra Singh Rawat made a comeback in 2024. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Haridwar as a BJP candidate.
Election Results
- Won the Haridwar Lok Sabha seat by a massive margin of 1,64,056 votes.
- Succeeded Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as the MP from Haridwar.
This victory marked his return to national politics and strengthened his position within the BJP.
Personal Life and Interests
- Rawat is married and has a simple lifestyle.
- He is deeply connected to Hindu culture and traditions.
- He enjoys reading, traveling, and working on rural development projects.
Trivendra Singh Rawat’s journey from a RSS Pracharak to Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister and now an MP from Haridwar is inspiring. Despite facing challenges, he remains an influential leader in Uttarakhand politics.
As he steps into his new role in the Lok Sabha, his focus will likely be on regional development, tourism, and employment. His political experience and dedication will continue to shape the future of Uttarakhand and India.
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