Piyush Goyal

Coming from a family with a long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP, Piyush Goyal received his initial political education from his late parents, who were committed to the cause of Hindutva. Goyal was also greatly influenced by the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Goyal's father, the late Ved Prakash Goyal, was a member of the Rajya Sabha and had served as the shipping minister. He was also one of the longest-serving treasurers of the party. Goyal's mother, late Chandrakanta Goyal, was a three-time member of the legislative assembly from Matunga.

Goyal is a well-known figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a significant minister in the Narendra Modi-led government. He held the position of Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha.

Goyal's political journey within the BJP has seen him represent Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha since 2010. During his tenure in the Commerce Ministry, Goyal led the signing of significant agreements, including a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UAE and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). He also initiated production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes to boost domestic manufacturing as part of the Make in India initiative.

Goyal has also served as the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles. Furthermore, he has served as a minister of state with independent charge of the coal ministry. Moreover, he managed the power, new & renewable energy, and mines portfolios.

As the Minister of Power, Goyal oversaw the successful implementation of flagship schemes such as the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) and the electrification drive under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya). His leadership also brought forth initiatives like the LED bulb distribution program (UJALA), strengthening India's energy infrastructure.

During the first term of the PM Narendra Modi-led government, he took charge of the railway ministry. Later, when Arun Jaitley fell ill, Goyal temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the finance minister.

During his interim role as the Finance Minister, Goyal introduced measures like the PM-KISAN scheme to provide direct cash income support to small and marginal farmers. He also implemented tax rebates for middle-class taxpayers, addressing voter concerns, especially among distressed farmers, ahead of the 2019 elections.

Goyal led negotiations with protesting farmers at the Delhi borders, demonstrating his commitment to resolving contentious issues. He previously played a crucial role in facilitating the withdrawal of farmers from the Delhi borders after extensive negotiations between the Union government and farmer unions.

Goyal's contributions extend beyond ministerial roles; he has served as a government-nominated director on the boards of the State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Goyal clinched victory in Mumbai North, marking his debut in the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, he was re-inducted into the Modi 3.0 Cabinet and was again appointed as the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Furthermore, he's a member of the World Presidents’ Organisation (W.P.O.) with a diverse range of interests including reading, debating, social work, yoga, and watching films.

He's been actively involved with NGOs focusing on tribal welfare and education, as well as various trade and industry associations and social organizations across the country. He's also delivered lectures on banking, finance, and commerce in seminars and workshops organised by institutions like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Additionally, he participated in leadership programs at Yale University in 2011, Oxford University in 2012, and Princeton University in 2013.

On a personal level, he's married to Seema, an active social worker, and they have two children, Dhruv and Radhika. His net worth is Rs 1,10,95,14,447.