Ashok Gehlot Biography: Ashok Gehlot is a veteran Indian politician and senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) who has served three terms as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Known for his simplicity, administrative skills, and loyalty to Gandhian values, Gehlot is one of India’s most experienced and respected political figures. His sharp political instincts and ability to navigate complex party dynamics have earned him the nickname “The Magician of Rajasthan.”
🧑🎓 Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Ashok Gehlot
- Date of Birth: May 3, 1951
- Place of Birth: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Family Background: He was born to Laxman Singh Gehlot, a traveling magician and municipal president. His humble family background greatly influenced his grounded political approach.
- Spouse: Sunita Gehlot
- Children: Vaibhav Gehlot (politician) and a daughter
- Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics
- Early Inspiration: Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Gehlot became involved in student politics and social service early on. During the 1971 refugee crisis, his voluntary work in relief camps impressed then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, marking the beginning of his political journey.
🏛️ Political Career
Ashok Gehlot’s political career spans over four decades and includes several key positions at the state and national levels.
🔹 Youth Politics and Early Leadership
- First State President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Rajasthan.
- Joined the Indian National Congress and became active in national politics during the 1970s.
🔹 Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
- Elected five times from the Jodhpur constituency – in 1980, 1984, 1991, 1996, and 1998.
- Served as a Union Minister under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and P.V. Narasimha Rao.
- Portfolios included Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sports, and later Textiles (Independent Charge).
🔹 Rajasthan Congress Leadership
- Served multiple terms as President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC).
- Known for his consensus-building leadership and ability to maintain party unity during challenging times.
👑 Chief Minister of Rajasthan
Ashok Gehlot served three terms as Chief Minister of Rajasthan:
- First Term (1998–2003):
- Focused on drought relief and social welfare programs.
- Managed one of Rajasthan’s worst droughts with efficiency and compassion.
- Second Term (2008–2013):
- Introduced the Free Medicine Scheme, providing essential drugs free of cost in government hospitals.
- Promoted education, health, and women empowerment initiatives.
- Third Term (2018–2023):
- Focused on welfare programs like Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme, Old Age Pension, and employment generation.
- His tenure was marked by political turbulence due to internal party conflicts.
⚖️ Challenges and Controversies
- Power Struggle: Long-standing rivalry with Sachin Pilot led to internal political unrest during his third term.
- Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society Scam: Publicly accused Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of involvement, leading to a defamation case.
- 2023 Election Loss: The Congress party’s defeat was partly attributed to Gehlot’s decision to re-nominate sitting MLAs.
📈 Legacy and Current Role
After completing his third term as Chief Minister in 2023, Ashok Gehlot continues to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Sardarpura constituency.
He remains a respected senior Congress leader, admired for his administrative capabilities, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Biography: The Political Journey of India’s Opposition Leader