Sangeet Som: Profile, Wife and Family

Sangeet Som is a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his role as a polarizing yet influential leader in Uttar Pradesh. A businessman-turned-politician, Som has made a name for himself through his vocal advocacy of Hindu nationalist ideologies and his involvement in contentious issues that have often sparked debates across the country.

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Early Life and Background

Sangeet Som was born on January 1, 1978, in the village of Dhanaura, Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Hailing from a Rajput family, Som grew up in a rural setting, which shaped his understanding of grassroots issues in Uttar Pradesh. His early education took place in local schools, and he later pursued higher studies, though specific details about his academic qualifications remain limited in public records. Som’s early exposure to the socio-political dynamics of rural India played a significant role in his eventual entry into politics.

Before venturing into politics, Som established himself as a businessman, primarily in the meat export industry. His business ventures, particularly with Al-Dua Food Processing Pvt. Ltd., a company involved in meat exports, became a point of contention later in his career due to the BJP’s strong stance on cow protection and its opposition to cow slaughter. Despite this, Som’s entrepreneurial background gave him the financial stability and local influence needed to launch a political career.

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Entry into Politics

Sangeet Som’s political journey began in the early 2000s when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, a party known for its Hindu nationalist ideology and strong organizational structure. His entry into politics was marked by his ability to connect with the local populace, particularly in the Muzaffarnagar and Meerut regions of Western Uttar Pradesh, where he built a reputation as a vocal advocate for Hindu causes.

In 2012, Som won his first major electoral victory, securing the Sardhana constituency in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His campaign focused on issues like rural development, infrastructure, and Hindu pride, resonating with a significant portion of the electorate in a region with a history of communal tensions. His victory established him as a rising star within the BJP, and he quickly became known for his fiery speeches and unapologetic stance on controversial issues.

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Political Career and Rise in the BJP

Sangeet Som’s tenure as an MLA from Sardhana (2012–2017) was marked by his active participation in BJP’s campaigns and his vocal support for policies aligned with the party’s ideology. He gained prominence during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, a tragic event that resulted in communal violence between Hindus and Muslims in Western Uttar Pradesh. Som was accused of delivering provocative speeches that allegedly incited violence, a charge he denied. Despite the controversy, his role in the riots elevated his profile among hardline Hindu supporters, solidifying his image as a staunch defender of Hindu interests.

Som’s political style is characterized by his aggressive rhetoric and willingness to address sensitive issues head-on. He has been a vocal critic of opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, often targeting their leaders in public speeches. His ability to mobilize support among the Hindu electorate, particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh, has made him a valuable asset for the BJP in state and national elections.

In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Som sought re-election from Sardhana but faced defeat, a setback attributed to anti-incumbency and shifting political dynamics. Despite this loss, he remained active in BJP’s organizational activities, focusing on grassroots mobilization and public outreach. His loyalty to the party and his ability to maintain a strong local presence kept him relevant in Uttar Pradesh politics.

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Recent News and Developments

As of 2025, Sangeet Som continues to be an active figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, frequently making headlines for his statements and actions. Here are some key recent developments associated with him:

1. Bakrid 2025 Controversy: In June 2025, Som sparked controversy with his remarks on the practice of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) during Bakrid. He questioned why Hindu practices like animal sacrifice were restricted while Muslim practices were allowed, stating, “If there is a ban on Hindu sacrificial practices, why should Qurbani be permitted?” This statement drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of stoking communal tensions.
2. Remarks on Akhilesh Yadav: During a Hindu Morcha event in Muzaffarnagar in June 2025, Som made headlines by calling Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav “the last Mughal emperor” and labeling Rahul Gandhi as “mentally upset.” These remarks were part of a broader critique of the opposition’s policies, particularly the SP’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy, which Som mockingly referred to as the “Pakistan Development Authority.” The statements led to a political uproar, with SP leaders accusing him of hate speech.
3. Aurangzeb and Kashi-Mathura Controversy: In March 2025, Som stirred debate by commenting on the ongoing legal disputes over the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Krishna Janmabhoomi issue in Mathura. He stated that the Hindu community did not need court intervention to build temples in Kashi and Mathura, emphasizing the removal of “symbols of tyrant ruler Aurangzeb.” These remarks were widely criticized for undermining judicial processes and escalating communal tensions.
4. Taj Mahal Statement: In January 2025, Som made a controversial claim during the first anniversary of the Ram Mandir inauguration, asserting that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple and that such “symbols” should not exist in India. This statement reignited debates about historical revisionism and drew backlash from historians and opposition leaders.

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Controversies Surrounding Sangeet Som

Sangeet Som’s political career has been marred by several controversies, many of which stem from his provocative statements and alleged involvement in communal issues. Below are some of the most significant controversies associated with him:

1. 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots: Som was accused of delivering inflammatory speeches that contributed to the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar in 2013, which resulted in over 60 deaths and displaced thousands. He was named in an FIR and faced charges under the National Security Act, though he was later released due to lack of evidence. The incident remains a dark chapter in his political career and continues to be cited by critics as evidence of his divisive politics.
2. Meat Export Business: In 2021, documents surfaced linking Som to Al-Dua Food Processing Pvt. Ltd., a company involved in meat exports, including beef. This revelation caused a stir, given the BJP’s strong stance against cow slaughter. Critics accused Som of hypocrisy, while he maintained that his business complied with legal regulations.
3. Taj Mahal Controversy: Som’s claim that the Taj Mahal was a Hindu temple and should not be celebrated as a symbol of India sparked widespread outrage. Historians and cultural activists condemned the statement as an attempt to rewrite history for political gain, while supporters viewed it as an assertion of Hindu pride.
4. Anti-Court Remarks on Kashi and Mathura: Som’s assertion that the Hindu community could build temples in Kashi and Mathura without court approval was seen as a direct challenge to the judiciary. Legal experts and opposition leaders criticized him for disrespecting the rule of law, while his supporters argued that he was voicing the sentiments of the Hindu majority.

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Personal Life

Sangeet Som is married and maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his political and business activities. He resides in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and is known for his strong ties to the local Rajput community. His public persona is that of a firebrand leader, but those close to him describe him as approachable and deeply committed to his constituents.

Som is also known for his involvement in community activities, including organizing religious and cultural events in Western Uttar Pradesh. His ability to connect with rural voters and his active presence on social media platforms like X have helped him maintain a strong grassroots following.

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Interesting Facts About Sangeet Som

1. Business Background: Before entering politics, Som was a successful businessman in the meat export industry, a fact that has often been used by opponents to question his alignment with BJP’s cow protection policies.
2. Muzaffarnagar Riots: Som’s alleged role in the 2013 riots remains one of the most controversial aspects of his career, shaping his image as a polarizing figure.
3. Social Media Presence: Som actively uses platforms like X to engage with supporters, often sharing his views on Hindu nationalism and critiquing opposition leaders.
4. Sardhana Victory: His 2012 win in the Sardhana constituency marked him as a rising star in the BJP, showcasing his ability to mobilize voters in a communally sensitive region.
5. Vocal Hindu Nationalist: Som is known for his unapologetic advocacy of Hindu causes, often addressing issues like temple disputes and cow protection in his speeches.

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FAQs About Sangeet Som

1. Who is Sangeet Som?
Sangeet Som is a BJP politician and former MLA from Sardhana, Uttar Pradesh, known for his Hindu nationalist stance and controversial statements.

2. What controversies is Sangeet Som associated with?
Som has been linked to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, his meat export business, and recent statements on the Taj Mahal, Kashi-Mathura disputes, and opposition leaders.

3. What is Sangeet Som’s political background?
He joined the BJP in the early 2000s, won the Sardhana seat in 2012, and has remained a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics despite losing in 2017.

4. What is Sangeet Som’s stance on Hindu nationalism?
Som is a vocal advocate of Hindu nationalist causes, often speaking on issues like temple reclamation and cow protection, which has earned him both support and criticism.

5. What are Sangeet Som’s recent activities?
In 2025, Som made headlines for his remarks on Bakrid, the Taj Mahal, and opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, continuing to stir political debates.

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Conclusion

Sangeet Som remains a significant yet controversial figure in Indian politics, embodying the complexities of Uttar Pradesh’s socio-political landscape. His journey from a businessman to a BJP leader reflects his ability to navigate challenges and maintain relevance in a competitive political environment. While his outspoken nature and Hindu nationalist stance have earned him a dedicated following, they have also drawn criticism for fueling communal tensions. As Som continues to shape political discourse in Uttar Pradesh, his actions and statements will likely remain under scrutiny, making him a figure to watch in Indian politics.