Giriraj Singh is a prominent Indian politician representing Bihar. His career has been marked by significant roles within the government and several notable controversies.
Wiki/Biography
Born on September 8, 1952 (age 72 as of 2024), in Barahiya, Lakhisarai District, Bihar, Giriraj Singh’s zodiac sign is Virgo. He completed his schooling at a government school in Barahiya. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, in 1971. Before entering politics, he was a social worker and active volunteer with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His deep interest in agriculture and animal husbandry is evident in his work, including a research paper on animal feed submitted in collaboration with CSIR scientists.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6’
- Weight: Approximately 80 kg
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Grey
Family, Wife & Caste
Giriraj Singh hails from a Bhumihar Brahmin family. His parents were Ramavtaar Singh and Tara Devi. He has one brother, Jairaj Singh. He’s married to Uma Sinha (a retired teacher), and they have a daughter.
Political Career
His political journey began with his election as an MLC to the Bihar Legislative Council in 2002. He served as Bihar’s Cooperative Minister under Nitish Kumar in 2005 and later as the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Resource Development in 2010. Following a JDU-BJP alliance break in 2013, he was removed from his ministerial post.
The BJP nominated him for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Nawada, although he preferred Begusarai. He won and later served as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. In 2018, he successfully contested from Begusarai, becoming a Cabinet Minister in the Modi government. His most recent victory was in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai, defeating Awdhesh Rai of the CPI.
Controversies
Giriraj Singh’s career has been marked by several controversies. His statements during the 2014 election campaign, suggesting that Modi’s opponents should be sent to Pakistan, sparked significant criticism. A reported theft at his home in 2014 also raised questions due to discrepancies in his declared assets.
A video surfacing in 2015 led to accusations of racism and sexism, prompting a parliamentary apology. His public comments on population control and the growth of the Muslim population further fueled controversy. His recent statements regarding the demolition of illegally constructed mosques have also garnered attention.
Car Collection
Giriraj Singh’s car collection includes a Mahindra E20 Electric Car (2016 Model) and a Tata Nano (2012 Model).
Assets & Properties
Here’s a summary of his declared assets and properties:
| Asset Type | Value (in Rupees) |
|---|---|
| Movable Assets | 81.36 Lacs |
| Cash | 1.74 Lacs |
| Bank Deposits | 67.92 Lacs |
| Jewellery | 20,000 (15 gm Gold) |
| Properties | 5.87 Crores |
| Agricultural Land | 5 Crores |
| Residential Buildings | 77 Lacs (Barahiya, Anandpuri, and others) |
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Rs. 1 Lac + Additional Allowances
- Net Worth (as of 2019): Rs. 8.30 Crores
Facts
His request to change his Lok Sabha election ticket in 2014 from Nawada to Begusarai, reportedly made with emotional pleas to Rajnath Singh, is a well-known anecdote. Despite warnings from BJP leadership, he has continued to make controversial statements throughout his career.
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