Eyeing For A Third Term: BJP's Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah From Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal (image-X/MalaRajyaShah)
A political and social worker, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah has carved her place in the political arena of Uttarakhand, representing the Tehri Garhwal constituency. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, her journey into politics began following her marriage to Manujendra Shah Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal (which later merged with India), in 1975. She finished her high school graduation from the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Pune, and Ratna Rajya Laxmi College, Kathmandu.
Her foray into electoral politics saw her secure a seat in the 15th Lok Sabha through a by-election, making her the first woman elected to the Lok Sabha from Uttarakhand since its formation in 2000. Her victory over formidable opponents, including Saket Bahuguna, son of then Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, established her as a strong candidate within the saffron party. She defeated the Congress candidate by a margin of over 22,000.
Notably, her father-in-law, Lt. Col. Maharaja Manabendra Shah, represented the Tehri Garhwal seat in Lok Sabha a record eight times and was one of the BJP”s longest-serving members.
The Tehri Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency, one of the five in Uttarakhand, comprises parts of Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi districts.
She won the 2014 elections by a significant margin, securing 57 percent, and defeated Bahuguna once again. Mala”s victory in the 2019 elections reaffirmed the BJP”s stronghold in the state, reflecting her resonance with the electorate.
Reportedly, a section of party workers considered her not easily approachable and accessible, but BJP high command seems to have trust and confidence in her, as Mala”s continued nomination as the BJP candidate underscores her influence within the party ranks.
According to a report by The Wire, residents of Uttarkashi express growing rural distress thanks to the loss of jobs and dwindling job opportunities in the district. The only two sources of livelihood within the hill state are the Army and tourism. Issues including infrastructure development and environmental conservation are key priorities of the people of Tehri Garhwal.
