Who is Meenakshi Lekhi? - Influential Indian Politician
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meenakshi Lekhi |
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1967 |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, India |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Current Roles | Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Member of Parliament |
| Education | B.Sc. from Hindu College, LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi |
| Professional Background | Lawyer, Social Activist |
| Notable Committees | Chairperson of Public Undertakings Committee, Parliamentary Privileges Committee |
| Languages | English, Hindi |
Meenakshi Lekhi was born on April 30, 1967, in New Delhi, India, to Shri Bhagwan Khanna and Smt. Amarlata Khanna. She pursued her higher education in the sciences, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Hindu College, which is affiliated with the University of Delhi and is known for its distinguished alumni and academic rigor. Following her passion for law, she then attended the Campus Law Centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, from 1987 to 1990, where she earned her LL.B. degree. The Campus Law Centre is renowned for producing many of India's leading legal professionals and judges.
Legal Career
After completing her law degree, Lekhi enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1990 and began practicing law. She has argued cases in various courts, including the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, focusing on a range of issues such as indirect taxes, criminal law, domestic violence, and family law disputes. Notably, she played a significant role in advocating for the permanent commission of women officers in the Indian armed forces.
Political Career
Lekhi's political journey began when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha in May 2014 from the New Delhi constituency and was re-elected in 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has served on numerous parliamentary committees and has been actively involved in drafting significant legislation, including the Women's Reservation Bill and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Bill.
In July 2021, Lekhi was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture, where she has continued to influence India's foreign and cultural policies.
Contributions and Recognition
Beyond her roles in law and politics, Lekhi has been a vocal advocate for women's and children's rights. She has been associated with various organizations working towards the protection of these rights and has been recognized for her contributions to public service. Lekhi also writes a fortnightly column in The Week magazine, discussing socio-political issues.
Personal Life
Meenakshi Lekhi is married to Shri Aman Lekhi, who is the Additional Solicitor General of India. They have two sons.
Meenakshi Lekhi's career reflects a blend of legal expertise and political acumen, making her a significant figure in contemporary Indian politics and governance.