Savitri Jindal, India’s Richest Woman, to Contest Haryana Elections as an Independent after BJP Snub

In a surprising turn of events, Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman and a prominent figure in the business world, has decided to contest the Haryana elections as an independent candidate. This move comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied her a ticket to contest from the Hisar constituency, opting instead to renominate sitting MLA and State Minister Kamal Gupta.

Early Life and Business Empire

Savitri Jindal, born in 1950, is the widow of the late O.P. Jindal, who founded the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power generation, mining, and infrastructure. After her husband’s death in 2005, Savitri Jindal took over the reins of the company and has since been instrumental in its growth and success. Today, the Jindal Group is one of India’s largest business empires, with a net worth of over $18 billion.

Political Aspirations

Despite her immense success in the business world, Savitri Jindal has long harbored political ambitions. In 2005, she was elected to the Haryana Legislative Assembly from the Hisar constituency on a Congress party ticket. She served as the Minister for Urban Local Bodies and Housing in the Haryana government between 2005 and 2010.

In the 2014 Haryana Assembly elections, Jindal lost her seat to Kamal Gupta of the BJP. Since then, she has been actively working to regain her position in the state’s political landscape.

BJP Snub and Independent Candidacy

In the lead-up to the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Savitri Jindal had expressed her desire to contest the polls from Hisar on a BJP ticket. However, the party chose to renominate sitting MLA and State Minister Kamal Gupta from the seat, leaving Jindal disappointed.

Undeterred by the BJP’s decision, Savitri Jindal has decided to contest the elections as an independent candidate. Her move has garnered significant attention from both the media and the public, given her stature and influence in the region.

Challenges Ahead

While Savitri Jindal’s decision to contest as an independent candidate demonstrates her determination and political ambition, she faces several challenges in her quest to win the Hisar seat.

Firstly, the BJP’s Kamal Gupta, who defeated Jindal in 2014, is a strong contender with a proven track record. His position as a sitting MLA and State Minister gives him an advantage in terms of visibility and resources.

Secondly, contesting as an independent candidate can be a daunting task, as it requires building a support base from scratch without the backing of a political party. Jindal will need to rely on her personal charisma, business acumen, and connections to garner support from the voters of Hisar.

Conclusion

Savitri Jindal’s decision to contest the Haryana Assembly elections as an independent candidate after being denied a BJP ticket has added an intriguing dimension to the polls. As one of India’s most influential business leaders, her entry into the political fray is sure to capture the attention of both the electorate and the media.

Whether Jindal’s personal brand and resources will be enough to overcome the challenges posed by her independent candidacy remains to be seen. However, her determination and refusal to back down in the face of adversity are testament to her strong character and desire to serve the people of Haryana.