Table of Contents
Compiling a comprehensive report on the influential figures in a diverse country like India can be a daunting task. However, these political personalities have made a lasting impact that transcends their official roles.
Authority in India is often shaped by those who hold power. The nation’s top politicians have risen to prominence through their positions and impactful decisions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his strategic leadership and secrecy, defining his governance through surgical strikes and economic reforms.
BJP President Amit Shah and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat play crucial roles in reshaping India’s democratic landscape, aligning with Modi’s vision for a “New India.”
Leaders like Arun Jaitley and Nitin Gadkari drive economic growth, foreign investment, and infrastructure development, reinforcing Modi’s goal of sustainable progress.
On the other side, Chief Ministers like Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee, who oppose Modi’s policies, present a contrasting political perspective. Recently, two unconventional leaders have risen to prominence: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and AIADMK Chief Shashikala, who has made her mark despite being imprisoned. They’ve shifted from the political margins to the spotlight. Rahul Gandhi, often seen as the opposition’s underdog, is still carving out his space in the evolving political landscape. He has ample opportunities to learn from influential figures like Narendra Modi, Mohan Bhagwat, Mamata Banerjee, and Yogi Adityanath, who continue to shape today’s politics.
1. Narendra Modi
Narendra Damodardas Modi, born on September 17, 1950, is an influential Indian politician who has been serving as the 14th Prime Minister of India since 2014. Before assuming the role of Prime Minister, Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and has also represented Varanasi as a Member of Parliament (MP). He is the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization.
Growing up in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi assisted his father in selling tea and later ran his tea shop. At the age of 8, he became involved with the RSS, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection with the organization. After completing high school, he left home and travelled across India for two years. In 1971, he fully committed to the RSS and was introduced to the BJP in 1985.
In 2001, Modi was appointed as Gujarat’s Chief Minister following Keshubhai Patel’s resignation due to health issues and the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake. While his tenure was clouded by controversy—especially concerning the 2002 Gujarat riots—a Supreme Court investigation did not find sufficient evidence to prosecute him. His leadership in Gujarat was praised for significant economic growth and advancements in health, education, and employment.
In the 2014 general elections, Modi led the BJP to a landmark victory, securing a historic majority in the Lok Sabha. As Prime Minister, he focused on boosting foreign direct investment (FDI), reducing government expenditure on healthcare and welfare, and overhauling the bureaucracy, including dismantling the Planning Commission.
Modi introduced several ambitious initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission to improve sanitation, a controversial ban on high-denomination currency notes, and the revocation of certain environmental regulations. In 2019, his government took the drastic step of revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which sparked widespread protests. His leadership continues to stir domestic and international debate, particularly due to his Hindu nationalist views and the controversy surrounding his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Narendra damodar das modi |
| Born | 17 September 1950 (70 Year) |
| Spouse | Jasodaben Modi (Married in 1968) |
| Father Name | Damodardas Mulchand Modi (1915-1989) |
| Mother Name | Hiraben Modi (born in 1920) |
| Birth Place | Vadnagar, Mehsana, Gujrat |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) |
| Political Affiliations | National democratic alliance |
| Qualification | BA (Delhi University) MA (University of Gujrat) |
| Residence | 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, Delhi |
| Net worth | 2.80 crore |
| Awards and Honors | Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia on 3 April 2016)Order of Zayed (United States Emirates on 4 April 2019)Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (Palestine on 10 February 2018)State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (Afghanistan on 4 June 2016)Order of St. Andrew (Russia on 12 April 2019)Order of Distinguished rule of Izzuddin (Maldives on 8 June 2019)King Hamad order of the Renaissance (Bahrain on 24 August 2019) |
2. Amit Shah
Amit Anil Chandra Shah, born on October 22, 1964, is an Indian politician and venture capitalist currently serving as India’s Minister of Home Affairs. He was the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2014 to 2020. In the 2019 Indian General Elections, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, after previously serving as a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat since 2017.
At the age of 54, Shah became India’s youngest Home Minister. He is a key strategist and advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has played a crucial role in shaping the BJP’s electoral campaigns.
His political journey began during his college years when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) student wing. He became a member of the BJP in 1987 and was first elected as an MLA from Ahmedabad-Sarkhej in 1997. He successfully retained his seat in 1998, 2002, and 2007, later shifting to the Naranpura constituency in 2012.
In the 2014 General Elections, Shah played a pivotal role in the BJP’s campaign in Uttar Pradesh, where the party secured 73 out of 80 seats. This success elevated his national stature, and he was appointed BJP President in July 2014.
Under Shah’s leadership, the BJP secured major victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Assam. The party also performed well in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Manipur. Despite setbacks in Punjab, the BJP regained power in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh in 2018. In the 2019 General Elections, his leadership helped the BJP win 303 seats, ensuring a resounding victory.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Amit Anilchandra Shah |
| Born | 22 October 1964 (56 Year) |
| Spouse | Sonal Shah (Married in 1987) |
| Father Name | Anil Chandra Shah |
| Mother Name | Kusumben Shah |
| Birth Place | Mumbai |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) |
| Qualification | BSc (Gujrat University) |
| Residence | 6A, Krishna Menon Marg, Delhi |
| Net worth | 39 Crore |
3. Mohan Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat, born on September 11, 1950, is the Chief (Sarsanghchalak) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of India’s most influential Hindu nationalist organizations. He assumed this position in March 2009, succeeding K.S. Sudarshan. Hailing from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Bhagwat comes from a Marathi family deeply connected to the RSS. His father, Madhukar Rao Bhagwat, and his mother, Malati Bhagwat, were actively involved with the organization.
Bhagwat completed his schooling at Lokmanya Tilak Vidyalaya and Janata College in Chandrapur. He later earned a degree in veterinary science from Government Veterinary College, Nagpur. Initially pursuing a career in veterinary sciences, he chose to dedicate himself fully to the RSS in 1976, becoming a pracharak (full-time worker).
His early RSS work began in Akola, Maharashtra, where he steadily rose through the ranks. Over the years, he took on key responsibilities, overseeing the Nagpur and Vidarbha regions. From 1991 to 1999, he headed the RSS’s physical training division and later led its volunteer wing. In 2000, following the resignation of Rajendra Singh and H.V. Sheshadri due to health reasons, Bhagwat was appointed as the RSS’s General Secretary (Sarkaryavah).
In March 2009, Bhagwat took on the role of Sarsanghchalak, making him one of the younger leaders to lead the RSS, following in the footsteps of M.S. Golwalkar and K.B. Hedgewar. His leadership has seen him become a high-security target, leading the Indian government to provide him with Z+VVIP security in June 2015 due to threats from extremist groups.
In 2017, Bhagwat made history as the first RSS chief to be formally welcomed by the President of India at the Raj Bhavan. A year later, in September 2018, he led a conference in Delhi, where he stated that the RSS had moved beyond some of M.S. Golwalkar’s outdated ideologies.
During a speech in November 2016, at an event for the RSS’s female division, Bhagwat spoke about human evolution and the emergence of future species. He also made controversial remarks, asserting that Hinduism was the only true culture and implying that all other religions originated from it.
In 2020, Bhagwat openly supported the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in a Dussehra address. He criticized those opposing these policies, stating that their resistance impacted national harmony. His remarks drew reactions from various political leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi.
Personal Information
| Full Name | 10196, DB Gupta Road, Keshav Kunj, Jhandewalan, Delhi |
| Born | 11 September 1950 (70 Year) |
| Spouse | Unmarried |
| Father Name | Madhukar Rao Bhagwat |
| Mother Name | Malati |
| Birth Place | Chandrapur, Bombay |
| Organization | B.Sc (In Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) |
| Qualification | Doctor of Science (DSc) |
| Residence | Doctor of Science (DSc) |
| Net worth | 10196, DB Gupta Road, Keshav Kunj, Jhandewalan, Delhi |
| Awards and Honors | Doctor of science (DSc) |
4. Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh, born on July 10, 1951, is an Indian politician currently serving as the Defense Minister of India. A senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has twice held the position of Party President (2005–2009 and 2013–2014). Previously, he has also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as Minister of Home Affairs in the first Modi government.
Singh’s political journey began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization. Starting as a swayamsevak (volunteer), he later became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS’s student wing. His association with these organizations laid the foundation for his political career.
Born in Bhabhaura, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, Singh comes from a farming family. He pursued his early education locally and later obtained a master’s degree in physics from the University of Gorakhpur. Before venturing into politics, he worked as a physics professor at K.B. Mirzapur PG College. His early years were deeply influenced by the RSS’s ideology.
Singh entered mainstream politics in 1974 by joining the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP. He played an active role in the party, rising to Regional Chief of the Jana Sangh and later assuming key positions within the BJP. As the Minister of National Education, he introduced important educational reforms, leaving a lasting impact on the sector.
Throughout his career, Singh has represented various constituencies. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Lucknow and has also served as an MLA from Haidergarh in Uttar Pradesh. His leadership and contributions have significantly influenced BJP’s policies and its growth in Indian politics.
Personal Information
| Full Name | 17, Akbar Road, Delhi |
| Born | 10 July 1951 (69 Year) |
| Spouse | Savitri Singh |
| Father Name | Ram Badan Singh |
| Mother Name | 17, Akbar Road, Delhi |
| Birth Place | Bhabhaura, Chakia Tehsil, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) |
| Political Affiliations | Bharatiya Jana Sangh (Before 1977) |
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Physics (Gorakhpur University) |
| Residence | 17, Akbar road, Delhi |
| Children | 3 (Pankaj Sigh, Neeraj Singh, Anamika Singh) |
| Nationality | Indian |
5. Yogi Adityanath
Yogi Adityanath, originally named Ajay Mohan Bisht, was born on June 5, 1972. He is a Hindu monk and politician who has been serving as the 22nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh since March 19, 2017.
Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the 2017 Assembly elections, he was appointed as Chief Minister on March 26, 2017. His political career began in 1998, when he was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. He has successfully won this seat five consecutive times.
Apart from politics, Yogi Adityanath is the head priest (Mahant) of Gorakhnath Math, a revered temple in Gorakhpur. He took on this role in September 2014, following the passing of his spiritual mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath. He also founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization known for its Hindu nationalist ideology. His outspoken views have made him a key figure in Hindu nationalism.
Born in Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), Yogi Adityanath was the second among four brothers and three sisters. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, worked as a forest ranger. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Uttarakhand.
After embracing monastic life, he became a disciple of the Nath sect, receiving the name Yogi Adityanath and later succeeding Mahant Avaidyanath. Though he is primarily based in Gorakhpur, he has maintained a strong connection with his hometown, where he established a school in 1998.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Yogi Adityanath (Ajay Mohan Bisht) |
| Born | 5 June 1972 (48 Year) |
| Father Name | Anand Singh Bisht |
| Mother Name | Savitri Devi |
| Birth Place | Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh (Now in Uttarakhand) |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) |
| Qualification | BSc (HNB Garhwal University) |
| Residence | 5, Kali das Marg, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Net worth | 70 Lakh |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Books by Yogi Adityanath | Hathayoga Swarupa evam Sadhna (2007)Rajayoga Swarupa evam Sadhna |
6. Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, is an Indian politician and a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, Kerala. A key leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), he served as the party president from December 16, 2017, to July 3, 2019. He also leads the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Additionally, he plays a significant role in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust.
Born in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi spent most of his early years in Delhi and Dehradun, staying away from the public eye due to security concerns. His early education was in these cities before he was homeschooled for safety reasons. He began his undergraduate studies at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi but later transferred to Rollins College in Florida after the tragic assassination of his father, Rajiv Gandhi. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994 and went on to complete an M.Phil. from Cambridge University in 1995. Before joining politics, he worked at a strategy consulting firm in London and later returned to India to establish a software company in Mumbai.
Rahul Gandhi entered politics in 2004, contesting from Amethi, a constituency previously held by his father. He was re-elected in 2009 and 2014. In 2013, he was appointed as the Vice-President of the Congress Party. However, under his leadership, the party suffered its worst electoral defeat in the 2014 general elections, securing only 44 seats, a sharp decline from 206 seats in 2009.
Coming from a distinguished political family, Rahul Gandhi is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, the current President of the Indian National Congress. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, were both Prime Ministers of India. His sister, Priyanka Vadra, and brother-in-law, Robert Vadra, are also known public figures.
Rahul Gandhi began his formal education at St. Columba’s School in Delhi before joining The Doon School in Dehradun (1981–1983). Following the assassination of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984, he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi were homeschooled for security reasons. In 1989, he enrolled at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, but later moved to Harvard University. After his father’s assassination in 1991, he transferred to Rollins College in Florida, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1994. For security purposes, he used the alias “Raul Vinci” while studying abroad. He later pursued an M.Phil. from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1995.
In March 2004, Rahul Gandhi officially entered politics, announcing his candidacy for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, previously held by his father. Meanwhile, his mother, Sonia Gandhi, shifted to the Rae Bareli constituency. At the time, the Congress Party faced a major decline in Uttar Pradesh, securing just 10 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Rahul Gandhi |
| Born | 19 June 1970 (40 Year) |
| Father Name | Rajiv Gandhi (20 August 1944 – 21 May 1991) |
| Mother Name | Sonia Gandhi (born in 1946) |
| Birth Place | New Delhi, India |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress (INC) |
| Qualification | Delhi UniversityBA (Rollins Collage, Florida)Harvard UniversityMPhil (Trinity college, Cambridge) |
| Residence | 12, Tughlak Lane, New Delhi |
| Net worth | 14.85 crore |
7. Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal, born on August 16, 1968, is an Indian politician and former government officer who has been serving as the Chief Minister of Delhi since February 2015. He previously held the position for a brief term from December 2013 to February 2014, resigning after 49 days. As the national leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he led the party to a landslide victory in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, securing 67 out of 70 seats.
In 2006, Kejriwal received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership for his work in the Parivartan movement, which fought against corruption using the Right to Information (RTI) laws. He used the award money to establish the Public Cause Research Foundation, an NGO dedicated to anti-corruption efforts.
Before entering politics, Kejriwal worked as a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi within the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). He completed his Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur. His political career officially began on December 28, 2013, when he first became Delhi’s Chief Minister. However, he resigned on February 14, 2014, citing the inability to pass an anti-corruption bill due to opposition from other political parties. Following AAP’s massive victory, he was re-elected as Chief Minister on February 14, 2015.
Kejriwal was born into an upper-middle-class family in Siwani, Bhiwani district, Haryana. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an electrical engineer. He spent his early years in Sonipat, Ghaziabad, and Hisar and attended Campus School, Hisar, and Holy Child School, Sonipat.
In 1985, Kejriwal took the IIT-JEE exam and secured an All-India Rank (AIR) of 563. He graduated from IIT Kharagpur in Mechanical Engineering. In 1989, he joined Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, but he resigned in 1992 to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. During this period, he also volunteered with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity and the Ramakrishna Mission in Northeast India.
After clearing the Civil Services Examination, Kejriwal joined the IRS in 1995 as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. In 2000, he was granted two years of paid leave to pursue higher studies, with the condition that he would serve for at least three years upon his return. However, after returning in 2002, he remained unemployed for nearly a year, leading him to take unpaid leave and eventually resign in February 2006. The Indian government accused him of violating the agreement, but Kejriwal argued that his 18 months of work and 18 months of unpaid leave should count toward the required period. The dispute continued until 2011 when he repaid the government with the help of loans from friends.
After quitting his government job, Kejriwal stated in 2013 that he chose public service over a lucrative career. His role in the Jan Lokpal movement led to criticism that unelected activists should not dictate political policies. This motivated him to enter politics and contest elections. In November 2012, he launched the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), serving as its National Convenor. The name “Common Man’s Party” reflected his vision of representing ordinary citizens. His decision to form a political party led to a split between him and Anna Hazare, the leader of the anti-corruption movement.
AAP contested the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, where Kejriwal challenged incumbent Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. During the campaign, he became one of the most talked-about Indian politicians on social media, marking his rise as a key figure in Indian politics.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Arvind Kejriwal |
| Born | 17 August 1968 (52 Year) |
| Spouse | Sunita Kejriwal (Married in 1995) |
| Father Name | Govind Ram Kejriwal |
| Mother Name | Gita Devi |
| Birth Place | Siwani, Bhiwani, Haryana |
| Political Party | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) |
| Qualification | IIT Kharagpur (B.Tech) |
| Residence | 7, Flag Staff Marg, Civil Lines, New Delhi |
| Net worth | 3.40 crore |
| Awards and Honors | Ramon Magsaysay Award |
8. Mamta Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, born on January 5, 1955, is a well-known Indian politician who has been serving as the Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to occupy this position in the state. After breaking away from the Indian National Congress (INC), she established the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC) in 1998 and took charge as its leader. Admired by her supporters as “Didi” (elder sister), she is also referred to by some critics as “Pishi” (paternal aunt) in Bengali.
Banerjee has made history as the first woman to serve twice as India’s Railway Minister. Additionally, she is the only woman to have held the office of Coal Minister. Over the years, she has also served as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Women and Child Development. She gained widespread recognition for her fierce resistance against the Communist-led government’s land acquisition policies, particularly in Singur, where she fought for farmers’ rights. This activism played a crucial role in her party’s resounding victory in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended the 34-year rule of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the state.
Born into a Bengali Hindu family in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is the daughter of Promileswar Banerjee and Gayetri Devi. Her early years were marked by hardship, as she lost her father at the age of 17 due to a lack of proper medical treatment. Banerjee identifies herself as a devout Hindu.
Banerjee pursued her Higher Secondary education at Deshbandhu Sishu Sikshalay in 1970. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Jogamaya Devi College and later completed a Master’s degree in Islamic History from the University of Calcutta. In addition, she holds a degree in Education from Shri Shikshayatan College and a Law degree from Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, Kolkata. Recognizing her contributions, she has also been awarded honorary doctorates, including a Doctorate in Literature (D.Litt.) from the University of Calcutta.
Banerjee’s entry into politics began at just 15 years old when she actively joined the Chhatra Parishad, the student wing of the Congress (I) Party while studying at Jogamaya Devi College. She quickly gained prominence, climbing the party ranks and playing an instrumental role in regional political movements.
During the 1970s, Mamata Banerjee emerged as a dynamic young leader in the Congress Party. She first gained widespread attention in 1975 when she protested against communist leader Jayaprakash Narayan by climbing onto his car. Her political career continued to gain momentum as she took on key leadership roles. From 1976 to 1980, she served as the General Secretary of the Mahila Congress in West Bengal. In the 1984 general elections, Banerjee achieved a significant milestone by defeating veteran Communist leader Somnath Chatterjee to win the Jadavpur parliamentary seat, making her one of India’s youngest parliamentarians. Recognizing her growing influence, the party later appointed her as the General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress in Bengal.
Despite her early success, Banerjee faced setbacks. In the 1989 general elections, she lost her parliamentary seat to Malini Bhattacharya of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). However, she made a strong comeback in 1991, securing victory from the Calcutta South constituency. She successfully retained this seat in multiple elections, winning again in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2009.
In 1991, Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao appointed Banerjee as the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Women and Child Development. Her tenure as Sports Minister was marked by bold decisions—she made headlines by offering to resign in protest against the government’s lack of support for sports development during a rally at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Her outspoken nature eventually led to her removal from the ministerial post in 1993. By April 1996, Banerjee openly criticized the Congress Party, accusing it of being submissive to the CPI-M in West Bengal. She strongly advocated for a “clean Congress”, signalling the start of her growing disillusionment with the party.
Personal Information
| Full Name | All India National Congress (TMC) (1998 to Present) |
| Born | 5 January 1955 (65 Year) |
| Spouse | All India National Congress (TMC) (1998 to Present) |
| Father Name | Promileswar Banerjee |
| Mother Name | Ranjit Ghosh |
| Birth Place | Calcutta |
| Political Party | All India National congress (TMC) (1998 to Present) |
| Political Affiliations | Indian National Congress (INC) (Before 1998) |
| Qualification | BA (Calcutta University) MA (Calcutta University) B.Ed (Calcutta University) LLB (Calcutta University) |
| Residence | R/o 30B, Harish Chatterjee Street, Kolkata |
| Net worth | 9 Crore |
9. Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi, born on December 9, 1946, is an influential Indian politician who played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress (INC). She became the party’s president in 1998, seven years after the tragic assassination of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, India’s former Prime Minister. Holding the position for 22 years, she became one of the longest-serving leaders in the party’s history.
Born into a Roman Catholic family in a small village near Vicenza, Italy, Sonia pursued her early education in local schools before moving to Cambridge, England, to study English. It was there that she met Rajiv Gandhi, whom she later married in 1968. After their marriage, she settled in India, becoming part of the influential Nehru-Gandhi family, led at the time by Indira Gandhi, India’s Prime Minister. Despite being closely associated with political figures, Sonia Gandhi initially chose to stay away from active politics.
Following Rajiv Gandhi’s tragic assassination, the Congress party urged Sonia to take over its leadership, but she initially declined. However, in 1997, she finally entered politics and by 1998, she was elected as Congress president, defeating Jitendra Prasada. Under her leadership, the Congress party, in alliance with centre-left parties, returned to power after the 2004 general elections. Despite having the opportunity to become India’s Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi declined the position, instead choosing to lead the ruling coalition as the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council.
During her tenure, she played a key role in the implementation of landmark welfare programs, including the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the Food Security Bill. However, her leadership was not without controversies, as she faced criticism over issues such as the Bofors scandal and the National Herald case. Additionally, her foreign origin was a subject of debate in Indian politics.
Due to health concerns, Sonia Gandhi gradually reduced her active involvement in politics. She stepped down as Congress president in 2017 but returned in 2019 to unify the party during a challenging phase. Even though she never held a government office, she has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in the world and remains one of India’s most influential political figures.
Sonia Gandhi was born as Sonia Maino in the small Italian village of Lusiana. She was raised alongside her two sisters, Nadia and Anoushka, in a conservative Roman Catholic family. Her father, Stefano Maino, was a building contractor who supported Benito Mussolini and the Italian National Fascist Party. During World War II, he fought alongside Hitler’s forces on the Eastern Front.
She completed her early education in a Catholic school, where she was regarded as a disciplined and hardworking student. At the age of 13, she finished primary school and initially aspired to become a flight attendant. In 1964, she moved to Cambridge, England, to study English at the Bell Educational Trust. A year later, she met Rajiv Gandhi, who was pursuing engineering at Trinity College, University of Cambridge. Their love story led to their marriage in 1968, in a traditional Hindu ceremony, after which she moved to New Delhi, where she lived with her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi.
Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi had two children: Rahul Gandhi (born 1970) and Priyanka Vadra (born 1972). In their early years, both Sonia and Rajiv stayed away from politics—Rajiv worked as a pilot, while Sonia focused on raising their family. Over time, she developed a close relationship with Indira Gandhi, whom she later described as loving and supportive.
After Indira Gandhi’s government was voted out in 1977 following the Emergency, the Gandhi family briefly considered leaving India. However, after the sudden death of Sanjay Gandhi in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi entered politics, though Sonia continued to remain out of the political limelight.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Sonia Maino |
| Born | United Public Alliance (UPA) |
| Spouse | Rajiv Gandhi (Married in 1968, Died in 1991) |
| Father Name | Stefano Maino |
| Mother Name | Paola Maino |
| Birth Place | Lusiana, Veneto, Italy |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress Party (INC) |
| Political Affiliations | United Public alliance (UPA) |
| Qualification | United Public Alliance (UPA) |
| Residence | 10, Janpath Marg, New Delhi |
| Net worth | 11.83 crore |
10. Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar, born on March 1, 1951, is a veteran Indian politician who has served as the Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar multiple times, currently holding office since 2015. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in shaping Bihar’s political and economic landscape. Apart from his role as CM, he has also held various ministerial positions in the Indian government.
A prominent leader of the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Nitish Kumar is credited with bringing notable improvements to Bihar’s governance. Under his leadership, the state saw a significant transformation from a region struggling with corruption, crime, and poor administration to one with improved infrastructure, law and order, and economic growth. His tenure saw large-scale reforms, including the appointment of over 100,000 teachers and administrators, ensuring that doctors were available in primary healthcare centres, electrifying numerous villages, improving roads and public services, promoting female literacy, and increasing average income levels across the state.
On May 17, 2014, following his party’s poor performance in the general elections, Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister, taking moral responsibility. He was succeeded by Jitan Ram Manjhi. However, after a political crisis in Bihar, Nitish Kumar made a comeback in February 2015 and later won the November 2015 state elections. His growing influence led to his appointment as the national president of JD(U) on April 10, 2016.
In July 2017, Nitish Kumar resigned once again due to conflicts with his then-coalition partner, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The key issue was the corruption allegations against Tejashwi Yadav, who was serving as Deputy CM from RJD. Soon after resigning, he realigned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a political group he had previously opposed, and was reappointed as CM the next day. One of his most impactful decisions during this period was the implementation of a statewide alcohol ban in Bihar in April 2016, which remains a defining policy of his tenure.
Nitish Kumar was born in Bakhtiarpur, Bihar, to Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, an Ayurvedic doctor, and Parmeshwari Devi. He belongs to the Kurmi community, a well-known agricultural group in Bihar. Academically inclined, he pursued mechanical engineering at Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna), graduating in 1972. After briefly working at the Bihar State Electricity Board, he decided to step into politics, marking the beginning of his long political career.
On February 22, 1973, Nitish Kumar married Manju Kumari Sinha, who unfortunately passed away in 2007 due to pneumonia. The couple had a son.
Nitish Kumar is widely regarded as a progressive leader. His early political years were shaped by the influence of Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, S. N. Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and V. P. Singh. He played an active role in Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement between 1974 and 1977, eventually joining the Janata Party under Satyendra Narain Sinha.
During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, Nitish Kumar held key ministerial positions, including Minister for Railways and Minister for Agriculture (1998-99). Following the Gaisal train accident in August 1999, he resigned as Railway Minister, though he denied direct responsibility. Despite his brief tenure, he implemented crucial reforms in the Indian Railways, such as launching the online reservation system in 2002, increasing the number of railway ticket booking counters, and introducing the “Tatkal” scheme to facilitate last-minute ticket bookings.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Nitish Kumar |
| Born | 1 March 1951 (69 Year) |
| Spouse | Manju Kumari |
| Father Name | Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh |
| Mother Name | Parmeshwari Devi |
| Birth Place | Bakhtiyarpur, Bihar |
| Political Party | Janta Dal (United) |
| Political Affiliations | Janata Dal |
| Qualification | B.E. from National Institute of Technology (Mechanical Engineering) |
| Residence | 1, Aney Marg, Patna, Bihar |
| Net worth | 36.46 Lakhs |
| Awards and Honors | Anuvrat Puraskar, by Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha (Jain organization), for enforcing the total prohibition on liquor in Bihar, 2017 JP Memorial Award, Nagpur’s Manav Mandir, 2013 Ranked 77th in Foreign Policy Magazine’s Top 100 Global Thinkers 2012 XLRI, Jamshedpur Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial & Social Peace 2011 “MSN Indian of the Year 2010” NDTV Indian of the Year – Politics, 2010 Forbes’ “India’s Person of the Year”, 2010 CNN-IBN “Indian of the Year Award” – Politics, 2010 NDTV Indian of the Year – Politics, 2009 Economics Times “Business Reformer of the Year 2009” Polio Eradication Championship Award 2009, by Rotary International CNN-IBN Great Indian of the Year – Politics, 2008 The Best Chief Minister, according to the CNN-IBN and Hindustan Times State of the Nation Poll 2007 |
Conclusion
India’s top 10 politicians embody a wide spectrum of leadership styles, ideologies, and governance approaches. Each of them has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s policies, strengthening governance, and elevating India’s global standing.
These leaders have made a lasting impact on the country’s history, whether through economic reforms, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, or law enforcement measures. Their contributions have significantly influenced the lives of millions of Indians, fostering growth and transformation across various sectors.
Even beyond their tenure in office, their influence continues to shape India’s progress. As the nation moves forward, these political figures remain central to the narrative of India’s democracy and governance, guiding its future through its vision and leadership.
