Explain Manvendra Singh in 500 words
Manvendra Singh is an Indian politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was born on September 19, 1964, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into the royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Barmer. He is the son of Jaswant Singh, a prominent politician and former Minister of External Affairs.
Manvendra Singh completed his early education at Mayo College in Ajmer and went on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Arts from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. He later obtained a law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. After completing his education, he joined the family business and also actively participated in social and cultural activities.
In 2004, Manvendra Singh entered politics and contested the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament) elections from the Barmer-Jaisalmer constituency in Rajasthan. He emerged victorious and became a Member of Parliament (MP). During his tenure, he actively raised issues related to the development of his constituency and worked towards the welfare of the people.
Manvendra Singh's political career took a significant turn in 2018 when he announced his decision to leave the BJP, the party he had been associated with for over two decades. His decision came as a surprise to many, considering his family's long-standing association with the party. Manvendra Singh cited ideological differences as the reason behind his departure.
One of the key incidents that led to his departure was the denial of a party ticket for the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Despite his popularity and contribution to the party, he was denied the ticket, which he believed was a result of his vocal criticism of the then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. This incident further widened the rift between him and the party leadership.
After leaving the BJP, Manvendra Singh joined the Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party in Rajasthan. He was welcomed into the party by senior leaders, including Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot. His decision to join the Congress was seen as a significant development in the state's political landscape, as he brought with him a considerable support base and influence.
Manvendra Singh contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Barmer-Jaisalmer constituency as a Congress candidate. Although he did not emerge victorious, he put up a strong fight and garnered significant support from the electorate.
Besides his political career, Manvendra Singh is also known for his activism and advocacy for social causes. He has been actively involved in campaigns related to water conservation, education, and healthcare. He has also been vocal about issues affecting the marginalized sections of society and has worked towards their empowerment.
In conclusion, Manvendra Singh is a prominent Indian politician who has had a significant impact on the political landscape of Rajasthan. His decision to leave the BJP and join the Congress marked a turning point in his career and highlighted the ideological differences within the party. He continues to be an influential figure in Rajasthan politics, working towards the welfare of the people and advocating for social causes.