BJP has announced that its candidate and Union Minister Piyush Goyal will contest from Mumbai for the first time in the Lok Sabha election this year. The Bharatiya Janata Party today revealed a second list of 72 candidates, which listed Mr Piyush as the party’s candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency.
What Do We Know about Piyush Goyal?
Piyush Goyal is an Indian politician and a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on June 13, 1964, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, he completed his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, and later graduated with a degree in Commerce from Sydenham College, Mumbai. He also holds a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai.
In 2014, Piyush Goyal was elected as a Member of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. His astute understanding of economic and developmental issues led to his appointment as the Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy in the Narendra Modi government. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the electrification of villages across India, spearheading initiatives to increase power generation and improve energy efficiency.
In subsequent years, Piyush Goyal held several important ministerial portfolios, including Railways, Commerce and Industry, and Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. His tenure as the Railway Minister was marked by significant reforms and modernization efforts, focusing on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Known for his articulate communication skills and commitment to the party’s ideology, Piyush Goyal is considered one of the BJP’s most effective spokespersons. He has represented India in various international forums, advocating for trade liberalization and promoting India as an attractive destination for investment.
Will Piyush Goyal Succeed in winning his Lok Sabha Seat from Mumbai North?
Piyush Goyal currently serves as a Union Minister in the Indian government, contributing to the nation’s development and progress through his leadership and vision.
- During his 35-year-long political career, Mr Goyal has held several important positions at different levels in the BJP. He is a member of the party’s national executive. He has also been the BJP’s national treasurer.
- At present, he looks after commerce and industry, consumer affairs, food and public distribution, textiles, and is the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. He has previously helmed the railways, finance, corporate affairs, coal, power, new and renewable energy, and mines ministries.
- While serving as the power, coal, and new and renewable energy minister, Mr Goyal successfully implemented the world’s largest LED bulb distribution programme called ‘Ujala’. Mr Goyal led the signing of a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE in what was termed as the fastest-ever negotiated FTA globally.
- Mr Goyal oversaw the launch of production-linked incentive schemes to boost the ‘Make In India’ programme, and led the implementation of the world’s largest food security programme, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
- His father, Vedprakash Goyal, was Shipping Minister and the BJP’s national treasurer for over two decades. His mother, Chandrakanta Goyal, was elected thrice to the Maharashtra assembly from Mumbai.
Goyal’s political journey began when he joined the BJP and became actively involved in student politics during his college days. He held various positions within the party, showcasing his organizational skills and leadership capabilities. He quickly rose through the ranks and emerged as one of the key leaders of the party in Maharashtra.
