NEW DELHI: Annapurna Devi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Jharkhand, has been appointed as the Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi allocated portfolios to his Union council of ministers, marking a historic moment as Devi becomes one of the seven women in Modi’s third-term Cabinet.
Previously held by BJP’s former MP from Amethi, Smriti Irani, the portfolio now transitions to Devi following Irani’s defeat in the Lok Sabha elections against Congress’s Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes.
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Devi’s journey into politics began in 1998, following the untimely demise of her husband, Ramesh Yadav, who was associated with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Since then, she has been steadfast in her political pursuits, representing the Koderma constituency. Her elevation to the Union Cabinet underscores her steadfast dedication and leadership within the party.
“Her victory margin against Vinod Kumar Singh of the CPI(ML) Liberation in Koderma – 3.77 lakh – was the highest among the party’s winning candidates in the state,” a testament to Devi’s widespread support and popularity among constituents.
Devi, aged 55, has had a remarkable political career, marked by resilience and determination. Beginning with her successful contesting of the Koderma Assembly bypoll in 1998, Devi’s trajectory in politics has been notable. She continued to win Assembly elections in subsequent years, demonstrating her enduring commitment to public service.
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Her transition to national politics saw her secure victories as a Member of Parliament, with her recent triumph in the Lok Sabha election by a staggering margin of 3.77 lakh votes affirming her stronghold in the political arena.
Before her affiliation with the BJP, Devi held key positions within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Jharkhand. Her strategic move to the BJP in 2019 marked a significant shift in her political allegiance, underscoring her astute leadership and adaptability.
As a parliamentarian, Devi has actively advocated for various issues in the Lok Sabha, notably emphasising the importance of skill development for rescued children to facilitate their reunification with their families. Her dedication to the welfare of women and children is evident in her new role as Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development.