Parshottam Rupala

Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala, a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a former Rajya Sabha representative from Gujarat, now stands as a candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general elections.

Rupala's political journey commenced as the BJP president of Amreli district from 1988 to 1991, followed by a tenure as an MLA spanning from 1991 to 2002. During this period, he assumed diverse roles, notably serving as chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee and as a cabinet minister.

His career commenced in education, where he held the position of Principal at various schools in Amreli district from 1977 to 1988. This included serving as Principal at High School, Hamapur, Ta. Bagasara, and Municipal Girls High School.

Over the years, Rupala has contributed significantly to the BJP's organisational structure, serving as Secretary of the B.J.P., Gujarat State in 1992, and later as General Secretary of the B.J.P., Gujarat from June 2005 to October 2006. He also chaired the Youth Hostels of India, Gujarat, from 2005 to 2007 and led as State President of the B.J.P., Gujarat, from October 2006 to January 2010.

Since 2008, Rupala has been a Member of Parliament, dedicating his service to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In recognition of his contributions, he was elevated to cabinet rank in 2019.

Outside of politics, Rupala is deeply engaged in community and cultural activities, having held leadership roles in organizations such as Gujarat Scout and Guide, All India Scouts and Guides, and the Akhil Gujarat Electricity Board.

Born in Ishwaria, Amreli district, Rupala is a family man, married with two children. His interests extend beyond the political sphere, encompassing sports like Kabaddi, travel, folk music, and literature. He even penned a book titled 'Manasgatha' in 2008 and holds the distinction of being a member of the Champion Team of Kabaddi at Saurashtra University.