India’s richest woman, Savitri Jindal, has become the center of attention in Haryana politics as she is set to contest the upcoming Assembly elections as an independent candidate.
This decision comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied her a ticket for the Hisar constituency, a move that has surprised many of her supporters and political observers alike.
As the chairperson of the steel and power conglomerate, the O P Jindal Group, Jindal is not only known for her wealth but also her extensive contributions to the state’s development, especially in Hisar.
With a net worth of $39.5 billion, Savitri Jindal is not just India’s richest woman but the only female billionaire in the country, a title that brings immense influence to her candidacy in the 2024 Assembly elections.
Political Beginnings and Legacy
Savitri Jindal’s entry into politics was unexpected and marked by personal tragedy. Her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, the founder of the Jindal Group, was an influential political figure in Haryana. He won three assembly elections in 1991, 2000, and 2005 and served as a minister in the Congress-led government under Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
His untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2005 thrust Savitri into the political arena, where she assumed the leadership mantle both in business and in public service.
Soon after, she won a by-election in Hisar and took on the role of a minister in the Haryana government. She secured her position in the 2009 Assembly elections, once again winning from the Hisar seat.
Jindal’s political legacy is intrinsically tied to her late husband’s work in Hisar, a region where the Jindal family has wielded significant influence for decades. Om Prakash Jindal was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated politician who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his constituents.
After his death, India’s richest woman, Savitri Jindal, took on the responsibility of continuing his vision for the region. Her political journey has always been driven by her desire to complete the unfinished work left behind by her husband, a sentiment she reiterated during her recent campaign announcement.
Independent Candidacy: A Bold Move
Jindal’s decision to contest the elections as an independent candidate came after the BJP, the party she joined in 2019, decided to field its sitting MLA and minister Kamal Gupta from the Hisar constituency.
Gupta, who has represented Hisar for two terms, was the party’s preferred candidate, much to the disappointment of Jindal’s supporters, who had been advocating for her to receive the ticket.
The decision to deny Savitri Jindal a ticket led to widespread speculation about her next move. Many believed that she would step away from active politics, but Jindal surprised everyone by filing her nomination as an independent candidate on the last day of nominations.
The move to run as an independent candidate is a bold one, especially for someone like Jindal, who had previously been aligned with two of the country’s largest political parties—first with Congress, and more recently with the BJP.
However, her decision reflects her deep connection to the people of Hisar, who, according to her, urged her to contest the election independently.
Savitri Jindal stated, “Hisar is my family, and I cannot say no to their wishes. This is my last election, and I want one more chance to serve the people and complete the unfinished works.”
The decision to run as an independent also signifies a break from the established party politics in Haryana. Savitri Jindal has always been known for her strong independent streak, and her entry into the race as an independent candidate underscores her commitment to her constituency and her desire to serve without being tied to a political party’s agenda.
Challenges Ahead: BJP and Congress Contenders
Jindal’s decision to run as an independent has significantly altered the political dynamics in Hisar. The BJP’s decision to field Kamal Gupta once again, despite Jindal’s popularity and the legacy of the Jindal family in the region, has set the stage for a fierce electoral contest.
Gupta, a two-time MLA and a minister in the state government, is a formidable candidate with a strong base of support within the BJP and among the voters in Hisar. His tenure as MLA has seen several development projects in the constituency, and the BJP is banking on his track record to win the seat again.
However, India’s richest woman Savitri Jindal remains a powerful figure in Hisar, and her independent candidacy has the potential to split the BJP’s vote share. Many of her supporters, who had expected her to be the BJP candidate, may now switch their allegiance to her independent campaign.
Jindal’s wealth, influence, and deep-rooted connection with the people of Hisar make her a strong contender, even without the backing of a major political party.
On the other hand, the Congress party, which Savitri Jindal was once a part of, has fielded Ram Niwas Rara, a political lightweight, from the Hisar seat. Rara’s candidacy is seen as a weak one, especially in the face of strong contenders like Gupta and Jindal.
The Congress has struggled to regain its footing in Haryana in recent years, and Rara’s candidacy is unlikely to pose a significant challenge to the other candidates. This makes the contest in Hisar largely a two-way fight between Savitri Jindal and Gupta, with the former Congress base potentially splitting between Jindal’s independent run and Rara’s official candidacy.
India’s richest woman Jindal’s Vision
For India’s richest woman, the upcoming election is about more than just winning a seat in the Haryana Assembly. It is about fulfilling a promise to the people of Hisar, a region that has been closely linked to her family for decades.
Jindal’s campaign message is clear—she wants one final opportunity to serve her constituency and complete the work that she and her late husband started. “I have been in public service for 20 years,” she said, “and this is my last election. I want to finish the unfinished work for the people of Hisar.”
Jindal’s wealth and influence have often overshadowed her political career, but those who know her closely speak of her genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of her constituents.
Her philanthropic work through the Jindal Foundation has been widely recognized, and her efforts to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure in Hisar have earned her the respect and admiration of many in the region. As an independent candidate, she is running on her track record of service and her commitment to the welfare of her people.
Her decision to distance herself from the BJP and contest as an independent has also raised questions about her future in politics. Savitri Jindal has made it clear that this will be her last election, regardless of the outcome. At 74, she is focused on leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hisar, one that is defined by her dedication to public service rather than her wealth or political affiliations.
The 2024 Haryana Assembly elections are shaping up to be a historic contest, especially in Hisar, where India’s richest woman Savitri Jindal is challenging the political establishment as an independent candidate.
Her decision to run independently after being denied a ticket by the BJP has created a new dynamic in the constituency, with Jindal’s wealth, influence, and deep connection to the people of Hisar making her a formidable contender.
As the only female billionaire in India, Savitri Jindal’s candidacy is a testament to her determination to serve her people one last time. Whether she wins or loses, her legacy as a public servant and a trailblazing businesswoman is secure.
The people of Hisar will soon decide whether India’s richest woman gets the final opportunity she seeks to serve her constituency, but one thing is certain—Savitri Jindal’s place in the history of Haryana politics is already assured.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏