The magician of Rajasthan who rose from refugee camps to chief ministership
In short: Born to a traveling magician, Ashok Gehlot’s political ascent began in the 1971 East Bengali refugee crisis. From serving in those camps to becoming a three-term Chief Minister, his career is defined by political survival, complex alliances, and a lifestyle shaped by Gandhian principles.
Ashok Gehlot's political journey is deeply rooted in social activism. During the 1971 East Bengali refugee crisis, he served in refugee camps in eastern India, an experience where former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi reportedly first recognized his organizational skills. This early engagement led to his role as the first State President of the National Students' Union of India.
A dedicated Gandhiite, Gehlot adopted a lifestyle in Wardha to align with Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. He is a pure vegetarian who eats before sunset and is a teetotaler. His political career has been marked by significant shifts in power; he first became Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1998, following a landslide victory for the Congress party, and served again from 2008 to 2013, and finally from 2018 to 2023.
Gehlot is known for his political acumen, earning the nickname 'jadugar' (magician) from party colleagues. He has navigated intense internal party dynamics, such as the challenge from Sachin Pilot and historical rivalries involving leaders like Parasram Maderna. His governance has also been marked by landmark legislation, such as the 'Right to Health' bill, which made Rajasthan the first Indian state to provide universal right to health, ensuring free emergency care for residents in both public and private medical establishments.
Beyond social policy, Gehlot has addressed rural stability through schemes like the Kamdhenu Pashu Bima Yojna, launched in April 2023. This insurance scheme provides compensation of ₹40,000 per animal for the death of a milch animal, aiming to support Rajasthan's cattle owners.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ashok Gehlot
- Also: Wikidata — Ashok Gehlot · CC0
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