Gopal Rai

Gopal Rai, currently serving as a Cabinet Minister in Delhi, holds pivotal portfolios including Environment, Forest, and Wildlife, as well as Development and General Administration Department. He represents the Babarpur constituency in Delhi as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Being a Member of the Political Affairs Committee and National Executive, he is also the Convener of the Delhi state unit of the Aam Aadmi Party.



Rai's journey into politics began during his college days at Lucknow University, where he completed his Post-graduate degree in Sociology in 1998. He initially engaged with the political sphere through the All India Students Association, the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, displaying early commitment to social activism.



During his tenure as a student leader, Rai actively participated in campaigns against corruption and crime within college campuses. His activism resulted in him being targeted, sustaining injuries from a gunshot that partially paralyzed him. Undeterred by the adversity, Rai persisted in his fight for justice.



In the 2013 Delhi elections, Rai contested from Babarpur but faced defeat. However, he emerged victorious in the 2015 Delhi polls, securing the Babarpur constituency seat as an AAP candidate. Rai's resounding victory, with a margin of 35,271 votes over his nearest rival, underscored his growing influence within Delhi's political landscape.



Assuming the role of Delhi Convener in May 2017, Rai embarked on an extensive organisational revamp within the state, aiming to strengthen AAP's presence and efficacy.



Rai's tenure as a Cabinet Minister has been marked by tangible achievements, notably the significant increase in minimum wages in Delhi. Recognising the plight of labourers, he championed the decision to raise minimum wages, with unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers now receiving Rs 14,052, Rs 15,471, and Rs 17,033 respectively.



Gopal Rai's multifaceted roles as a political figure, social activist, and minister exemplify his commitment to serving the people of Delhi and advancing the ideals of the Aam Aadmi Party.



He has emerged as a leading contender for the position of Delhi's chief minister following Arvind Kejriwal's unexpected resignation.