Giriraj Singh born on 8 September 1952.
He is an Indian politician currently serving as the 21st Minister of Textiles since 2024. He represents the Begusarai constituency in the Lok Sabha and has been a Member of Parliament during the 17th and 18th Lok Sabha sessions. Additionally, he has previously held positions as the Minister of Cooperative, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries Resources Development in the Government of Bihar.
Earlier Life:
Giriraj Singh was born in Barahiya town, Lakhisarai district, Bihar, to Ramavtar Singh and Tara Devi, in a Bhumihar family. He graduated from Magadh University in 1971. He is married to Uma Sinha, and they have a daughter.
Politics:
Giriraj Singh served in the Government of Bihar as the Co-Operative Minister from 2005 to 2010 and as the Animal Husbandry Minister from 2010 to 2013. A staunch supporter of Narendra Modi, Singh publicly backed Modi for Prime Minister from the outset. He was among the eleven BJP ministers dismissed by Nitish Kumar following the breakdown of the JDU–BJP alliance. Singh also served as a member of the Bihar State Bharatiya Janata Party‘s 16-member state election committee and held the position of State Minister (independent charge) for the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. He represented the Nawada constituency in the 2014 Indian General Election.
In May 2019, Singh became the Cabinet Minister for the newly formed Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries after defeating CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar in the 2019 Indian general election. In July 2021, he was appointed Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Panchayati Raj in the Second Modi ministry, succeeding Narendra Singh Tomar.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Giriraj Singh won the Begusarai constituency for the second time, defeating Awadhesh Kumar Rai by 81,480 votes.
Worked As:
- 2002 – May 2014: Member, Bihar Legislative Council
- 2005 – 2010: Cooperative Minister, Government of Bihar
- 2010 – 2013: Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Resources Development, Government of Bihar
- May 2014: Elected to the 16th Lok Sabha
- 1 September 2014 – 9 November 2014: Member, Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament
- September 2014 – 9 November 2014: Member, Standing Committee on Labour
- 9 November 2014: Union Minister of State, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- 4 September 2017: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- 30 May 2019: Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries
Political Disputes:
- Dismissal by Nitish Kumar: In 2013, Giriraj Singh was among eleven BJP ministers dismissed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This dismissal followed the breakdown of the JDU–BJP alliance, which was a significant political shift in Bihar. Singh’s removal was part of a broader realignment of political forces in the state, reflecting the tense and evolving nature of Bihar’s political landscape.
- Controversial Statements: Singh has been involved in several controversies due to his statements. He has made remarks that were criticized for being divisive or provocative. For instance, he has faced backlash for comments perceived as inflammatory or insensitive, which have sparked debates and criticism from various quarters, including political opponents and the media.
- Support for Narendra Modi: Singh has been a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His unwavering support has sometimes drawn criticism from those who view his loyalty as excessive or politically motivated. His public backing of Modi, especially during election campaigns, has occasionally put him at odds with critics who question the extent of his allegiance and its impact on his political decisions.
- Election Defeats and Challenges: During his career, Singh has faced electoral challenges and defeats. Despite his prominence and high-profile roles, he has encountered resistance and competition in his constituencies, which has occasionally impacted his political standing. These challenges highlight the competitive nature of Indian politics and the need for constant adaptation and strategy.