Sushma Swaraj was a political luminary and a charismatic leader in Indian politics. She was the first woman to hold the position of External Affairs Minister in India, and her contributions to Indian politics and society will always be remembered.
Introduction
Ambala, Haryana was the birthplace of Sushma Swaraj on February 14, 1952. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from S.D. College, Ambala Cantonment, and earned a law degree from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Her political career started as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. She later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and became the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government at the age of 25.
Early Political Career
Swaraj’s early political career was marked by her strong oratory skills and her ability to connect with the masses. In 1977, she contested the parliamentary election from Haryana but lost. However, in the following year, she won the election and became a member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. In 1987, she was appointed as the State President of the BJP in Haryana, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
In 1990, Swaraj was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. She was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1996, 2002, and 2008. During her tenure, she served as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and also as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.
Swaraj’s Contributions as External Affairs Minister
In 2014, Sushma Swaraj was appointed as the External Affairs Minister of India, becoming the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi. As the External Affairs Minister, Swaraj’s contributions to India’s foreign policy were significant. She was known for her hands-on approach to diplomacy, and her ability to respond to crises and emergencies.
One of her most notable achievements was the successful evacuation of over 6,000 Indians from war-torn Yemen in 2015. She also played a key role in India’s response to the Doklam standoff with China in 2017, and in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in 2019. Swaraj was also a vocal advocate for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Swaraj’s Legacy
Sushma Swaraj’s legacy is an inspiration to all Indians, particularly women in politics. She was a trailblazer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women leaders. Her oratory skills, her quick wit, and her ability to connect with the masses were her defining qualities.
Swaraj was also a strong proponent of women’s rights and empowerment. She was instrumental in the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which sought to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies for women.
FAQs
Q1. What were Sushma Swaraj’s contributions to Indian politics?
A1. Sushma Swaraj was a prominent leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party and held various positions in the party and the government. She was the first woman to hold the position of External Affairs Minister in India and made significant contributions to India’s foreign policy during her tenure.
Q2. How did Sushma Swaraj impact Indian society?
A2. Sushma Swaraj’s impact on Indian society was significant, particularly for women in politics. She broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women leaders. She was also a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.
Q3. What was Sushma Swaraj’s role in the Doklam standoff with China?
A3. Sushma Swaraj played a key role in India’s response to the Doklam standoff with China in 2017. She worked closely with the Ministry of Defence and other government agencies to ensure a strong and coordinated response to the situation.
Q4. What was the Women’s Reservation Bill, and how did Sushma Swaraj contribute to its passage?
A4. The Women’s Reservation Bill sought to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies for women. Sushma Swaraj was instrumental in the passage of the bill, which was a significant step towards greater gender equality and women’s empowerment in India.
Q5. What is Sushma Swaraj’s legacy in Indian politics?
A5. Sushma Swaraj’s legacy is an inspiration to all Indians, particularly women in politics.
