Dimple Yadav

Dimple Yadav, born on January 15, 1978, is an accomplished Indian politician who has made a significant impact on the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

She has taken on various roles, including serving as a Member of Parliament and making valuable contributions to the Samajwadi Party. Her life journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination in the world of Indian politics.

Early Life and Education

Dimple Yadav, née Dimple Rawat, was born in Pune, Maharashtra, and is the second of three daughters of retired Indian Army Colonel Ram Chandra Singh Rawat and Champa Rawat.

Although her family's roots are originally from Uttarakhand, she had a diverse upbringing, having been educated in various parts of the country, including Pune, Bathinda, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Her education also took her to the Army Public School on Nehru Road, Lucknow, where she laid the foundation for her future.

Dimple pursued higher education at Lucknow University, where she earned a degree in commerce. Her academic background equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for the multifaceted world of politics.

Personal Life

Dimple's life took a significant turn when she met Akhilesh Yadav during her student days. Their love story faced initial opposition from Akhilesh's family, but it took a positive turn when Akhilesh's grandmother, Murti Devi, gave her blessings.

Dimple and Akhilesh celebrated their wedding on November 24, 1999, when she was just 21 years old. The grandeur of their wedding was evident in the attendance of eminent personalities, including renowned movie stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.

Together, Dimple and Akhilesh Yadav have two daughters and a son. Their family life has been a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the evolving face of Indian society.

Political Career

Dimple Yadav's entry into politics was marked by her perseverance and dedication to the public cause. In 2009, she contested the by-election for the Lok Sabha constituency of Firozabad but did not secure victory, as she was pitted against actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar.

The by-election was necessitated by her husband, Akhilesh Yadav, who had won seats in both this constituency and Kannauj during the May 2009 general elections. He subsequently vacated the Firozabad seat, triggering the by-election. Despite the initial setback, Dimple's political journey was just beginning.

In 2012, Dimple Yadav was elected unopposed to the Lok Sabha from the Kannauj constituency. This remarkable achievement made her the 44th person in India and only the fourth in Uttar Pradesh to be elected unopposed.

She was also the first woman from Uttar Pradesh to be elected unopposed in a Lok Sabha by-election and the second person since Purshottam Das Tandon's election from Allahabad West in 1952.

Dimple's election was marked by unique characteristics, as she became the only woman MP whose husband was Chief Minister and one whose father-in-law was also a member of the same House.

Her commitment to public service continued, and she retained the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 Indian general election. Dimple's victory by a margin of 19,907 votes highlighted her growing influence and support from her constituents.

In the 2019 Indian general election, she contested as a joint candidate of the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. Though she put up a spirited fight, she lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a margin of more than 10,000 votes.

A significant turning point in her political career came after the passing of her father-in-law, Mulayam Singh Yadav. Dimple Yadav was fielded from the vacant Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency, which she won by defeating the BJP's candidate with over 2.8 lakh votes.

Dimple Yadav's dynamic journey in politics is a testament to her dedication to the people of Uttar Pradesh and her enduring commitment to public service. Her resilience and achievements continue to make her a prominent figure in Indian politics.