Dr.Udit Raj (born 1 January 1958) is an Indian politician and member of the Indian National Congress.[1] He was a Member of Parliament between 2014 and 2019 in the Lok Sabha, representing North West Delhi as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party but left the party after its first term. He was a civil servant and is the former Deputy Commissioner, Joint Commissioner and Additional Commissioner of Income Tax at New Delhi. Raj is also the National Chairman of the Confederation of Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Adivasi organisations ( DOMA Parisangh).[2]
Udit Raj | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| In office 16 May 2014 – 23 May 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Krishna Tirath |
| Succeeded by | Hans Raj Hans |
| Constituency | North West Delhi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 January 1958 Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Political party | Indian National Congress (2019-present) |
| Other political affiliations | Bharatiya Janata Party (2014-2019) |
| Spouse |
Seema Raj (m. 1990) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Osmania University(MA, 1988) CCS University(LLB) , India Bible College and Seminary ,Kota ,Rajasthan (Hon Dr.), Jawaharlal Nehru University (Alumni) |
| Profession | Civil servant (Indian Revenue Service), social activist, writer, politician |
| Website | druditraj |
Life and Education
editBorn in Ram Nagar, Allahabad, Dr. Udit Raj, son of Shri Kallan Singh and Smt. Sukh Dei, began his journey at Jawahar Lal Nehru University in 1980. Overcoming economic hardships, he cleared the Civil Services Examination in 1988 and served in the Indian Revenue Service in Ghaziabad and Delhi. Dr. Raj, who holds M.A and L.L.B degrees, received an honorary doctorate from Emmanuel Bible College, Kota, and has authored 355 articles.
Married to Seema Bahl in 1990 and a father of two, he left his government role in 2003 for socio-political work. As the leader of the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations, he helped enact the 81st, 82nd, and 85th Constitutional amendments. Serving as North West Delhi’s MP (2014-2019), he later joined the Indian National Congress in 2019. Internationally, he’s active with the UN in Geneva and leads the Buddha Education Foundation and the Dalit International Foundation. He edits ‘Voice of Buddha’ and is a part of India’s National Monitoring Committee for Education of SC/ST & PWD, advocating for marginalized communities. His work inspires a push for greater societal equity.
He earned M.A and L.L.B degrees and was awarded a Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa from Emmanuel Bible College and Seminary, Kota, Rajasthan.
He has been recognized for his intellectual contributions in the U.S.A and Europe, holds dialogues with Congressmen of the U.S.A and members of the European Parliaments.
He is also a prolific writer, and has published 355 articles in various national newspapers.
He Co-founded the alumni organization for JawaharLal Nehru University, establishing a network for former students.
Indian Revenue Service
First posted in Ghaziabad as Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax in 1990; transferred to Delhi in 1995, serving in key positions such as Deputy Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, and Additional Commissioner of Income Tax.
Social Career
editFormation of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organization[3]: In response to anti-reservation orders issued in 1997, Dr. Udit Raj helped form the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organization, uniting various intellectuals and departments across the country.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Appointed as the National Chairman, he led numerous campaigns and demonstrations nationwide from 1997 to 2000, advocating against anti-reservation orders.
- Influential Rallies: Organized several national-level rallies in Delhi, effectively managing media narratives and turning public opinion in his favor against competing rallies by BSP.
- Legislative Impact: Instrumental in the passing of the 81st, 82nd, and 85th Constitutional amendments under the Atal Vihari Government, securing vital reservation benefits.
- Commitment to Social Equality: Dedicated to creating a caste less society, following the principles of Dr. Ambedkar, by working to eradicate discrimination and the divisive caste system.
Political Career
editOn 24 November 2003, he resigned from government service and formed the Indian Justice Party.[3]
He merged Indian Justice Party with Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 February 2014, and was elected as a Member of Parliament on BJP ticket. However due to the ideological differences and perceived betrayal, he left BJP.
Joining Congress: On 24th April 2019, disillusioned with the BJP's approach to inclusivity and its internal politics, Dr. Raj joined the Indian National Congress to continue his advocacy for underprivileged communities. Currently he is the National Chairman of Unorganized Workers and Employees Congress.
References
edit- ^ "Denied ticket by the BJP, Udit Raj joins Congress". Hindustan Times. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^ "Noted Dalit Activist Udit Raj joins Bharatiya Janata Party". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
- ^ "Members : Lok Sabha". 164.100.47.194. Retrieved 12 April 2021.