Rajni Upasane, First Woman MLA of Raipur, Passes Away at Age 92

Rajni Upasane, the first woman MLA of Raipur and a prominent BJP member, passed away at the age of 92. Known for her activism and commitment to justice, she played a significant role in political movements.

Rajni Tai Upasane, a former MLA from Raipur, passed away on Wednesday evening in a private hospital in Chhattisgarh's capital, as confirmed by her family. She was 92 years old and had been admitted to VY Hospital the previous week for pneumonia treatment. Her son, Sachchidanand, a senior BJP leader, shared this information.

Born on April 28, 1933, in Paratwada, Maharashtra, Upasane married Dattatray Prahlad Upasane from Akot. She is survived by her four sons: Jagdish, Sachchidanand, Girish, and Hemant. Her funeral will take place in Raipur on Thursday. Upasane was deeply involved with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) and later the BJP.

Political Journey and Contributions

Upasane was the first woman MLA of Raipur when Chhattisgarh was part of undivided Madhya Pradesh. She was elected as an MLA from Raipur city in 1977 on a Janata Party ticket. Later, she served as vice-chairperson of the State Social Welfare Board. Her political career included significant roles at both state and national levels.

Her involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began early in life. She actively participated in movements against injustice and corruption. During the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, she led an underground resistance while three of her sons were jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

Legacy and Tributes

Upasane played a crucial role in strengthening the BJP's women's wing. She was known for building relationships across political lines. She maintained cordial ties with leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia, Sunderlal Patwa, and Congress leader Arjun Singh.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his sorrow over her passing. "The news of the demise of Rajni Tai Upasane ji, Raipur's first woman MLA and the mother of senior BJP leader and national vice-president of Loktantra Senani Sangh Sachchidanand Upasane ji, is extremely sad," Sai stated on social media platform X.

Sai praised her contributions to public service and social welfare. He remarked that her efforts would be remembered always. "My condolences are with her family in this hour of grief. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul," he added.

With inputs from PTI