Upendra Singh Rawat

  Upendra Singh Rawat is an Indian politician and a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Lok Sabha constituency of Barabanki in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This seat is reserved for SC. Barabanki Lok Sabha seat comprises assembly constituencies of Kursi, Ram Nagar, Barabanki, Zaidpur and Haidergarh.

Barabanki Lok Sabha seat is considered as one of the most unpredictable in UP politics. In the last five elections, the seat has been won by four different political parties and 5 different candidates. The fact that Upendra won this seat is a significant achievement. It is all the more important, as 2019 general election in UP was primarily a fight between BJP vs. an alliance of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD).

In 2019 election, Upendra Singh Rawat defeated his nearest rival Ram Sagar Rawat of Samajwadi Party by a margin of more than 1 lakh votes. Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Tanuj Punia had come third in the election. Earlier in 2014 election, Barabanki seat was won by BJP. However, the candidate that time was Priyanka Singh Rawat. She had won by a comfortable margin of more than 2 lakh votes.

Prior to winning from Barabanki, Upendra Singh Rawat was a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). He was chosen to replace the earlier BJP candidate Priyanka Singh Rawat, as there was a possibility of anti-incumbency factor. BJP's strategy worked and Upendra was able to score a decisive victory.

Earlier, some people were questioning the capabilities of Upendra. However, after his win in 2019 general election against a united opposition, Upendra has successfully established his credentials.

Early Life and Education

Upendra Singh Rawat was born in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh to Shri Raj Kunwar and Smt. Sarojani Devi. He was born on January 17, 1969. His educational qualifications include M.A. Sociology and LL.B. He had studied at J.N.P.J. College, Barabanki; Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad; and LLB DAV Mahavidyalaya Lucknow University. By profession, Upendra is an agriculturist. He married Urmila Devi in 1987.

Political Career

• 2017 - 2019: Member, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly
• May, 2019: Elected to 17th Lok Sabha
• 24 July 2019 onwards: Member, Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
• 13 Sept. 2019 onwards: Member, Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice; Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Human Resource Development

Personal Pursuits

Upendra Singh Rawat is committed to working for the welfare of common man. He likes to keep updated with current affairs. In his free time, he likes to listen to music, especially classical music. In sports, his favorites are cricket and badminton.