Discover the influential and famous politicians in India shaping India’s destiny in 2023. Explore their journeys, impact, and roles in steering the nation’s course. Powerhouses of Indian politics unveiled.
India boasts a spectrum of top famous politicians who navigate its complex political landscape. From seasoned statesmen to emerging leaders, these individuals wield influence, shaping policies and governance that impact the nation’s trajectory. There are some prominent and popular politicians in Indian politics, renowned for their influence, yet to ascend to the helm of leadership.
Here is the list of famous Politicians in India who are considered as a gamechanger.
1. Narendra Modi: A famous politician from Gujrat
Narendra Damodardas Modi, a famous politician in India, born on September 17, 1950, holds a significant place in Indian politics as the 14th Prime Minister since 2014.
Prior to this role, he served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 and represented Varanasi in Parliament. Modi’s connection with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) highlights his influential role. Modi’s early life in Vadnagar saw him assisting his father’s tea-selling business, eventually managing his shop. His political journey began with his involvement in the RSS at 8. After declining an arranged marriage, Modi joined the RSS full-time in 1971. His entry into the BJP happened in 1985, gradually rising through the party’s ranks.
National Leadership and Policy Initiatives
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi gained national prominence, ushering a turning point in Indian politics. His government aimed to attract foreign investment, streamline bureaucracy, and introduce economic reforms. His tenure introduced significant initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) and the controversial demonetization.
Narendra Modi’s journey from humble beginnings to his influential national presence, alongside his policy decisions and controversies, solidify his pivotal role in Indian politics, attracting attention both domestically and internationally. Narendra Damodar Das Modi, is considered as best politician in India since he entered politics.
2. Amit Shah
Amit Anil Chandra Shah is on the second position in the list of famous politician in India, born on October 22, 1964, is an Indian politician and former venture capitalist.
Amit Shah is a notable powerful politician in India and former venture capitalist. He held the position of Minister of Interior Affairs and played a pivotal role within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as its president from 2014 to 2020. In the 2019 national election in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Shah secured a Lok Sabha seat, marking his entry into India’s regional parliament. His national political journey began earlier, in 2017, as a representative in the national parliament, Rajya Sabha, representing Gujarat.
With dynamic leadership, at 54, Shah became the youngest Home Minister, overseeing interior affairs. Shah’s political engagement started during his university years, as part of ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), the student wing of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). Joining the BJP in 1987, he climbed the ranks, elected as an MLA in Gujarat in 1997 and continuing through the 1998, 2002, and 2007 elections.
Under his leadership, BJP secured 303 constituencies in the 2019 national election, solidifying his influential position. Amit Shah’s journey in Indian politics highlights his strategic insight, leadership skills, and dedication to serving the nation through his pivotal role in the BJP.
3. Yogi Adityanath
Born on June 5, 1972, as Ajay Mohan Bisht, Yogi Adityanath is known for his role as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state where he lovingly knows as CM Yogi.
Born on June 5, 1972, as Ajay Mohan Bisht, Yogi Adityanath has transitioned from a Hindu priest to a significant political figure as Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, the country’s most populous state.
Emergence as Chief Minister and as a famous politician
Yogi Adityanath assumed the Chief Minister’s role on March 19, 2017, after the BJP’s victory in the 2017 Assembly Constituency elections. His active involvement in the BJP has shaped the state’s governance since then. He is a famous politician who openly promotes Hinduism and keeps law and order his utmost priority. Apart from his political stature, Yogi Adityanath is the Mahant or chief monk of Gorakhnath Math, a revered spiritual center in Gorakhpur. He also founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, reflecting his Hindu nationalist beliefs.
Early Life and Spiritual Transition
Born in Panchur, Uttar Pradesh, to Anand Singh Bisht, Yogi Adityanath pursued Mathematics at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. His spiritual journey began at 21, following Mahant Avaidyanath of Gorakhnath Math, culminating in his becoming the Math’s Chief Seer.
4. Rahul Gandhi: A famous politician from Congress Party
Born on June 19, 1970, Rahul Gandhi is an Congress famous politician actively involved in the State Legislature.
Representing Wayanad, Kerala, he is a member of the INC (Indian National Congress). He served as the Chief of the Indian National Congress party from December 2017 to July 2019. Rahul Gandhi also holds significant positions within the Indian Youth Congress and NSUI (Indian National Students Union).
Entry into Politics and Electoral Victories
In 2004, Rahul Gandhi entered mainstream politics and won the state elections in Amethi, a seat traditionally held by his father. He continued to win in 2009 and 2014 from the same constituency. He was named Congress Vice-President in 2013 and led the INC’s campaign in the 2014 Indian general election.
Rahul Gandhi comes from a prominent political family. His father, Rajiv Gandhi, served as Prime Minister, while his mother, Sonia Gandhi, led the Indian National Congress. He is the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and great-grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru. He has a younger sister, Priyanka Vadra.
Rahul Gandhi holds the first rank in the list of top 10 congress leaders in India.
Leadership Roles and Campaign Endeavors
Rahul Gandhi took on significant leadership roles within the INC, including Vice-President. He led the party’s campaign in the 2014 general election, which saw a reduced seat count for the INC. Despite electoral challenges, he remains active in Indian politics.
Rahul Gandhi’s journey in politics showcases his commitment to public service and active participation in the INC. His political lineage, educational background, and varied roles within the party contribute to his impact on India’s political landscape.
5. Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, born on January 5, 1955, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, is a famous women politician in India, legislator, and bureaucrat.
She became the first female chief minister of West Bengal state, serving since 2011. Banerjee emerged from a lower-middle-class background in Kolkata and engaged in politics early on. She earned multiple degrees, including a law bachelor’s and an arts master’s from the University of Calcutta. In 1984, she entered national politics as a Lok Sabha representative and held various positions within the Congress Party. Disillusioned, she founded the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in 1997, becoming a vocal critic of the ruling Communists in West Bengal.
Her impactful hunger strike against forced land acquisition in 2006 revitalized her political career. In the 2009 national elections, AITC gained momentum and joined the ruling coalition. In 2011, her party triumphed in the state elections, ending three decades of Communist rule. Banerjee’s tenure as chief minister began on May 20, 2011, marked by her commitment to human rights, women’s protection, and land issues. She is the best women politician in India at present time. She is the most famous politician from West Bengal at present.
6. Kumari Mayawati Das
Kumari Mayawati Das, born on January 15, 1956, in Delhi, is a prominent women politician in India known for her advocacy of marginalized communities, especially Dalits, in the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
With a focus on both national and Uttar Pradesh state politics, she has served several terms as the Chief Minister of the state. Mayawati hails from a low-income Dalit family and pursued education, earning two bachelor’s degrees and a law degree from the University of Delhi. She entered politics under the mentorship of Dalit activist Kanshi Ram and became the president of BSP in 2003. At the time and in the present she is a very famous politician in Indian Politics.
Though influential nationally, her impact is most notable in Uttar Pradesh, where she became Chief Minister multiple times. However, her leadership was criticized for allegations of corruption, poor governance, and lavish expenditures. Mayawati’s administration faced controversies over statues and projects, leading to legal battles.
While she co-opted upper-caste Brahmans to broaden her party’s appeal, she remained a strong figure for lower-caste communities. Despite electoral setbacks, she maintained support from her followers, affectionately called “Behenji” (Sister).
7. Pinarayi Vijayan
Early Life and Education Pinarayi Vijayan, a stalwart in Kerala’s political landscape, was born in 1944 in the village of Pinarayi.
Despite a childhood marked by poverty and the loss of his father, he displayed remarkable determination. After completing his formal schooling, he had to halt his education. However, he managed to join the prestigious Brennen College in Thalassery and pursued a pre-university course, followed by a B.A. in Economics. He is a famous politician from Kerala. Political Career and Student Activism Pinarayi’s political journey commenced through student politics, initially as a member of the Kerala Students Federation (KSF), later becoming the Student’s Federation of India (SFI).
Legislative Contributions and Activism Pinarayi’s political journey continued through his multiple successful campaigns in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He won elections in 1970, 1977, 1991, 1996, and 2016, consistently increasing his majority. His legislative tenure focused on championing the rights of the people and advocating for marginalized sections. Pinarayi Vijayan’s path from humble beginnings to a prominent political figure in Kerala showcases his unwavering commitment to social welfare, progress, and his enduring fight for the rights of the people.
8. Farooq Abdullah
Farooq Abdullah, born on October 21, 1937, in Srinagar, is an famous politician with a remarkable journey in politics.
He holds an M.B.B.S. degree from S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. His political career began in 1980 when he entered the Lok Sabha after serving as a social worker. Following his entry into politics, Abdullah’s roles evolved significantly. He transitioned from being a Member of Parliament to becoming a key figure in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly. After his father’s passing, he assumed the role of Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and became the president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) party.
Under his leadership, the JKNC won Assembly elections and formed coalitions with the Indian National Congress (INC). Abdullah’s political journey continued with his presence in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, serving on committees related to commerce, railways, food, consumer affairs, public distribution, and defense.
Farooq Abdullah’s enduring presence in Indian politics reflects his commitment to public service and his role in shaping the political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir and the nation as a whole.
9. Himanta Biswa samra
Himanta Biswa Sarma, born on February 1, 1969, is an influential famous politician and lawyer. Currently serving as the Chief Minister of Assam since 2021, he transitioned from the Indian National Congress to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015.
Representing Jalukbari, he has been elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly five times, starting in 2001. Sarma’s political career includes multiple ministerial roles within the Assam government, spanning from 2002 to 2021. Notably, he has been the convener of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) since 2016. He is also considered as the most powerful politician from North East India.
Apart from politics, Sarma has held prominent positions in sports organizations, serving as the President of the Badminton Association of India and the Assam Cricket Association. He pursued his education at Cotton College, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political science. He also obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Government Law College and practiced law at the Gauhati High Court before entering politics. His multi-faceted journey demonstrates his leadership across politics, law, and sports.
10. Mapanna Mallikaarjun Kharge
Mapanna Mallikarjun Kharge, born on July 21, 1942, is a powerful politician who currently holds the position of President of the Indian National Congress from 2022.
He serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka and has been the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha since December 17, 2022. Previously, he held significant roles including Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019 and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee from 2016 to 2019. Kharge also served as the Minister of Railways from 2013 to 2014 and Minister of Labour and Employment from 2009 to 2013 in the Government of India.
A famous politician with robust political career, Kharge represented Gulbarga, Karnataka, in the Parliament from 2009 to 2019. He’s known for his leadership as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 1999 and as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee from 2005 to 2008. His track record of defeating most opposition candidates throughout his political career is noteworthy.
In conclusion, the landscape of Indian politics is a dynamic tapestry woven by the contributions of numerous renowned politicians. As we’ve explored the journeys of some famous politicians in India and achievements of these iconic figures, it becomes evident that their roles extend beyond political affiliations and geographic boundaries. They are not just leaders of political parties; they are architects of progress, advocates of change, and champions of the people.
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