Pushkar Singh Dhami, a prominent Indian politician, and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been making waves in the political landscape of Uttarakhand. Born on September 16, 1975, in the picturesque village of Tundi in the Pithoragarh district, Dhami has risen to prominence as a dynamic leader and currently serves as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, a position he has held since 2021.
Early Life and Education
Pushkar Singh Dhami hails from a Kumaoni Hindu Rajput family, with his ancestral roots in Harkhola, Pithoragarh. His family’s early years were marked by mobility due to his father’s service in the army, where he retired as a Subedar. Dhami’s early education took place in Tundi village, where he studied up to the 5th standard. Subsequently, his family moved to Nagla Tarai Bhabar, Khatima. He pursued his higher education at Lucknow University, graduating in Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations. His commitment to education continued as he went on to earn an LL.B. degree from the University of Lucknow.
Political Journey
Pushkar Singh Dhami embarked on his political journey in 1990 when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP. His dedication and leadership skills quickly became apparent, and he served as a political adviser to former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari. Dhami’s role expanded as he took on the position of state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) until 2008. During this tenure, he made significant contributions, particularly in advocating for the reservation of 70% of opportunities for local youth in the state’s industries.
In 2021, Pushkar Singh Dhami faced a critical moment in his career when he was considered for the position of Deputy Chief Minister during a political crisis in Uttarakhand.
Becoming Chief Minister in 2021
On July 3, 2021, Pushkar Singh Dhami took a significant leap in his political career as he was sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. This appointment followed the resignation of Tirath Singh Rawat due to a political crisis related to the legitimacy of holding the post. Dhami, at the age of 45, became the youngest Chief Minister in the history of Uttarakhand.
Vidhan Sabha Election, 2022
In the 2022 legislative election, Pushkar Singh Dhami faced a challenging battle against Congress candidate Bhuwan Chandra Kapri from the Khatima constituency in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. Despite losing the election, Dhami’s political journey took an unexpected turn. He was re-elected for the position of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on March 21, 2022. Moreover, on June 3, 2022, he secured victory in the Champawat Assembly by-poll, which became vacant due to the resignation of the incumbent, Kailash Chandra Gahtori.
Conclusion
Pushkar Singh Dhami’s political career has been marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serve the people of Uttarakhand. As the 10th Chief Minister of the state, he has faced challenges and triumphs, making him a dynamic figure in Indian politics. His ability to secure a second consecutive term as Chief Minister is a testament to his leadership and the trust of the BJP MLAs. Dhami’s journey continues, and his actions in the political arena will undoubtedly shape the future of Uttarakhand.
