Sumitra Mahajan was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of India’s major political parties. She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for multiple terms. She was first elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, in 1989 from the Indore constituency in Madhya Pradesh. She was re-elected to the Lok Sabha eight consecutive times, making her one of the longest-serving MPs in Indian history.

During her political career, Sumitra Mahajan held several significant positions, including the Minister of State for Human Resource Development in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. She also served as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and as the Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019.

Sumitra Mahajan’s tenure as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha was marked by her impartiality and dedication to upholding the democratic values of the Indian Parliament. She played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the house and promoting healthy debates on various issues.

Sumitra Mahajan decided not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, announcing her retirement from active politics after a long and illustrious career. After her retirement, she remained active in social and public service activities.

Sumitra Mahajan was widely respected across party lines for her wisdom, integrity, and dedication to the welfare of the people. She was often referred to as “Tai” (elder sister) by her colleagues and constituents, reflecting the affection and respect she earned over the years.

Sumitra Mahajan passed away on April 19, 2021, at the age of 78, following a brief illness. Her demise was mourned by leaders from various political parties, and she was remembered as a stateswoman who made significant contributions to Indian democracy.

Sumitra Mahajan’s legacy as a dedicated parliamentarian and her impact on Indian politics continue to be remembered, honoring her significant contributions to the nation.