Naresh Meena Biography: Naresh Kumar Meena (born 1979), popularly known as Naresh Meena, is an Indian politician from Baran district, Rajasthan. He is widely recognized for his rebellious stance and independent political activities after parting ways with the Indian National Congress (INC). A former student leader of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Meena gained prominence for his grassroots activism and strong regional influence.
🧑🎓 Early Life and Education
Naresh Meena was born in 1979 in Nayagaon village, located in Atru tehsil of Baran district, Rajasthan.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of Rajasthan in 2002.
Politics runs deep in his family — his father, Kalyan Singh Meena, served as Sarpanch for nearly three decades, while his mother also held the same position. His wife, Sunita Meena, is a Zila Parishad member, and his younger brother’s wife has served as a Panchayat Samiti member.
🗳️ Political Career
Naresh Meena began his political journey as a student leader at the University of Rajasthan. He was elected as the General Secretary of the Rajasthan University Students’ Union (RUSU) on an NSUI ticket, marking his entry into mainstream student politics.
He later joined the Indian National Congress and became a close associate of Sachin Pilot, one of the party’s key leaders in Rajasthan. However, after being repeatedly denied assembly election tickets, Meena grew disillusioned with the party’s leadership and started contesting independently.
📍 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Election
In the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election, Meena contested from the Chhabra constituency (Baran district) as an Independent candidate after being denied a Congress ticket. He secured nearly 44,000 votes, signaling significant local support despite lacking party backing.
📍 2024 Deoli–Uniara By-Election
In 2024, Meena again ran as an Independent candidate in the Deoli–Uniara by-election after the Congress fielded Kastor Chand Meena. His decision led to his suspension from the INC, but he gained approximately 60,000 votes, further strengthening his image as a strong independent leader.
📍 2025 Political Protests and Anta By-Election
In September 2025, Naresh Meena led protests in Jhalawar district demanding compensation for victims of a government school building collapse in Piplodi village. His detention during the protest sparked controversy, though he was later granted bail by the Rajasthan High Court, citing weak evidence.
On 14 October 2025, Meena filed his nomination for the Anta Assembly by-election, following the disqualification of MLA Kanwar Lal Meena.
✊ Hunger Strike over Jhalawar School Tragedy
Naresh Meena launched a hunger strike in Jaipur demanding justice and compensation for the school tragedy victims. During the protest, he reportedly clashed with some of his supporters. His health deteriorated, leading to hospitalization at SMS Hospital, Jaipur.
He received political support from RLP leader Hanuman Beniwal, who met him and criticized the Bhajan Lal Sharma government. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also urged the state government to intervene.
After 15 days of fasting, Meena ended his hunger strike on 26 September 2025.
⚖️ Controversies
Naresh Meena’s political career has also been marked by controversies:
- November 2024: During polling for the Deoli–Uniara by-election, Meena was arrested for allegedly slapping SDM Amit Chaudhary outside a polling booth. He spent eight months in jail before being granted bail in July 2025.
- July 2025: Soon after his release, he launched the Jan Kranti Yatra, a 150-km march from Kamkheda Balaji Dham (Jhalawar) to Trikuta Mata Temple (Kota), highlighting corruption and government apathy. He declared, “They can shut my petrol pump, but not my voice.”
🗣️ Public Image
Among his supporters, Naresh Meena is affectionately nicknamed “Chhota Kirodi”, a comparison to senior BJP leader Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena for his fiery politics, grassroots activism, and frequent confrontations with the establishment.
📘 Quick Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Naresh Kumar Meena |
| Born | 1979 (Nayagaon, Atru, Baran, Rajasthan) |
| Education | B.A., University of Rajasthan |
| Political Affiliation | Former INC, now Independent |
| Known For | Rebellious politics, grassroots activism |
| Spouse | Sunita Meena (Zila Parishad Member) |
| Nickname | Chhota Kirodi |
Also Read: Sachin Pilot Biography, Age, Education, Family, Political Career & Facts