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Yashodhara Raje Scindia: Profile, Husband and Family





Akshya, Trishala and Abhishek Bhansali


Yashodhara Raje Scindia is a prominent Indian politician, a member of the royal Scindia family of Gwalior, and a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for her contributions to Madhya Pradesh politics, she has served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and held significant ministerial roles, including Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Technical Education, Skill Development, and Employment. Her journey from a royal lineage to a seasoned political leader reflects resilience, dedication, and a commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 19, 1954, in London, Yashodhara Raje Scindia hails from the illustrious Scindia family, a Maratha dynasty that ruled the princely state of Gwalior until India’s independence. She is the youngest daughter of Jivajirao Scindia, the last Maratha Maharaja of Gwalior, and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, a towering political figure in India. Her royal upbringing was complemented by a strong educational foundation. Yashodhara attended The Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, followed by the Presentation Convent in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. She completed her schooling at Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya in Gwalior, a prestigious institution founded by her mother, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia.
Growing up in a politically active family, Yashodhara was exposed to the intricacies of Indian politics from an early age. Her mother was a founding member of the BJP, while her brother, Madhavrao Scindia, emerged as a prominent Congress leader. This familial divide between BJP and Congress would later shape her own political journey. Despite her royal roots, Yashodhara initially showed little interest in politics, choosing instead to explore life beyond India’s borders.
Marriage and Life in the United States
In 1977, Yashodhara married Dr. Siddharth Bhansali, a renowned cardiologist based in New Orleans, USA. This union marked a significant shift in her life as she moved to the United States, embracing a new chapter far from her royal heritage. The couple had three children: Akshay Bhansali, Abhishek Bhansali, and Trishala Bhansali. During her time in New Orleans, Yashodhara immersed herself in cultural and community activities, showcasing her leadership skills beyond politics.
She served as a board member of the Delta Festival Ballet and an advisory board member of the Contemporary Art Center. Additionally, she was a Fellow of the New Orleans Museum of Art and made a remarkable contribution by raising a quarter of a million dollars for the Audubon Zoological Society. These funds facilitated the creation of a permanent Indian exhibit at the Audubon Zoo, reflecting her ability to bridge her Indian heritage with her life abroad. Her efforts earned her recognition in the US, highlighting her organizational prowess and dedication to cultural preservation.
However, her marriage faced challenges, and after the birth of her daughter Trishala, cracks began to appear. By the early 1990s, Yashodhara and Siddharth decided to separate, with their divorce finalized in 1994. This personal setback prompted her return to India, where she would soon embark on a transformative political career.
Entry into Politics
Yashodhara Raje Scindia’s return to India in 1994 marked the beginning of her political journey. Encouraged by her mother, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aligning with her family’s ideological leanings—except for her brother Madhavrao, who remained with Congress until his untimely death in a plane crash in 2001. Her entry into politics was not a mere extension of her royal status; it was a response to personal adversity and a call to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh.
In 1998, Yashodhara contested and won her first election to the Madhya Pradesh State Assembly from the Shivpuri constituency, establishing herself as a formidable leader. Her early political career was marked by a focus on grassroots issues, leveraging her royal lineage to connect with voters while proving her mettle as a public servant. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning re-elections in 2003 and 2013 from the same constituency.
Parliamentary Tenure and Ministerial Roles
Yashodhara’s political journey took a national turn in 2007 when she won a by-election to the 14th Lok Sabha from Gwalior, a seat with deep familial significance. She was re-elected in the 2009 General Election, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) until 2013. Her tenure in the Lok Sabha showcased her ability to navigate national politics, drawing on her experience in cultural diplomacy from her years in the US.
Returning to state politics, Yashodhara won the Shivpuri Assembly seat again in 2013 and was appointed Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Employment under Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Later, she took on the portfolio of Sports and Youth Welfare, Technical Education, Skill Development, and Employment, roles she held with distinction until her decision to step back from electoral politics in 2023. Her contributions to youth development and employment generation in Madhya Pradesh remain a cornerstone of her legacy.
Family and Personal Challenges
Yashodhara Raje Scindia’s family ties are both a source of strength and complexity. She is the sister of Vasundhara Raje Scindia, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and the late Madhavrao Scindia. Her nephew, Jyotiraditya Scindia, is a prominent BJP leader and Union Minister, while her niece-in-law, Chitrangada Raje Scindia, and nephew Dushyant Singh also carry forward the Scindia legacy in politics. Despite this illustrious lineage, Yashodhara faced personal trials, including her divorce and the tragic loss of her brother.
Her son Abhishek Bhansali’s legal troubles in 2011—when he was sentenced to four years for negligent homicide in a drunk-driving accident in the US—added to her challenges. Yashodhara traveled to the US to support her son during this difficult period, demonstrating her resilience as a mother and public figure. These experiences shaped her into a leader who balances personal struggles with public responsibility.
Decision to Step Back
In 2023, Yashodhara Raje Scindia announced she would not contest the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, citing health reasons. Having battled four bouts of COVID-19, she expressed her inability to engage with her constituency as before. This decision, publicly shared during the unveiling of her mother’s statue in Shivpuri, marked the end of an active electoral career spanning over two decades. However, her influence within the BJP and the Scindia family remains undeniable.
Legacy and Contributions
Yashodhara Raje Scindia’s legacy is multifaceted. As a politician, she championed sports and youth welfare, overseeing initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games and the ISSF World Cup in Bhopal. Her efforts in skill development and employment generation empowered countless young people in Madhya Pradesh. Beyond politics, her work in the US highlighted her ability to foster cross-cultural connections, a skill she later brought to her public service.
Her journey from a royal princess to a respected political leader exemplifies adaptability and perseverance. While she may have stepped back from electoral contests, her contributions continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in Madhya Pradesh and beyond.
Top Ten Interesting Facts About Yashodhara Raje Scindia
  1. Royal Roots: Yashodhara is the youngest daughter of Jivajirao Scindia, the last Maharaja of Gwalior, and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia.
  2. Born in London: She was born on June 19, 1954, in London, reflecting her family’s global connections.
  3. Educational Journey: She studied at elite institutions like The Cathedral and John Connon School and Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya.
  4. Life in the US: She lived in New Orleans for nearly two decades, raising three children with her then-husband, Dr. Siddharth Bhansali.
  5. Cultural Contributions: She raised $250,000 for an Indian exhibit at the Audubon Zoo in the US.
  6. Political Debut: Yashodhara entered politics in 1998, winning the Shivpuri Assembly seat in her first election.
  7. Parliamentary Success: She served as an MP from Gwalior in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha (2007–2013).
  8. Health Struggles: She cited four COVID-19 infections as a reason for stepping back from elections in 2023.
  9. Family Ties: She is the aunt of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and sister of former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje.
  10. Sports Advocate: As Sports Minister, she played a key role in promoting youth sports in Madhya Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yashodhara Raje Scindia
  1. Who is Yashodhara Raje Scindia?
    Yashodhara Raje Scindia is an Indian politician from the BJP, a former MLA from Shivpuri, and a member of the royal Scindia family of Gwalior.
  2. What is her political background?
    She joined the BJP in 1994, served as an MP from Gwalior (2007–2013), and held ministerial roles in Madhya Pradesh, including Sports and Youth Welfare.
  3. Where was she born?
    She was born in London on June 19, 1954.
  4. Who are her parents?
    Her parents are Jivajirao Scindia, the last Maharaja of Gwalior, and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, a prominent BJP leader.
  5. Is she married?
    She was married to Dr. Siddharth Bhansali from 1977 until their divorce in 1994.
  6. How many children does she have?
    She has three children: Akshay, Abhishek, and Trishala Bhansali.
  7. Why did she step back from politics?
    In 2023, she announced she would not contest elections due to health issues, including four COVID-19 infections.
  8. What is her connection to Jyotiraditya Scindia?
    She is his aunt; Jyotiraditya is the son of her late brother, Madhavrao Scindia.
  9. What are her major contributions?
    She promoted sports, youth welfare, and skill development in Madhya Pradesh and raised funds for cultural projects in the US.
  10. Which constituency did she represent?
    She represented Shivpuri in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and Gwalior in the Lok Sabha.

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