O. Rajagopal

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O. Rajagopal (September 15, 1929 - ) is an Indian public figure and former Union Minister who is associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Due to the low odds of election in the state of Kerala[1], Rajagopal represented Madhya Pradesh (a state he is not domiciled in) in the Rajya Sabha from 1992 until 2004[2][3]

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[edit] Early life

He was born on September 15, 1929 to O. Madhavan Nair and O. Kunhikkavu Amma at Pudukkad Panchayath in Palakkad. His early education took place in Alathur and later went to Government Victoria College, Palakkad.

His college education was undertaken in Chennai and after he completed his studies in law he began practicing law in 1956 at the Palakkad District Court.[4]

[edit] Jana Sangh work

He was inspired by Deendayal Upadhyaya and began working in the Jana Sangh shortly after completing his studies. The death of Upadhyaya in 1968 spurred Rajagopal to pursue his public career more deeply. He was the State General Secretary of Jana Sangh until 1974. That same year, he was promoted to the post of President, a post he held until 1977.[4][5]

After the Indian emergency the Jana Sangh merged with the Janata Party. During this period of time Rajagopal served as the State General Secretary for the Jana Sangh.

[edit] BJP work

In 1980, the Janata Party split and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) was formed. Rajagopal then served as its Kerala president until 1985.After 1985 he occupied a number of positions, including the All India Secretary, General Secretary, and the Vice President of BJP.[4] In 1989 he ran for a Lok Sabha from Manjeri but failed. Two years later, he attempted to run for the Thiruvananthapuram seat but failed again because BJP candidates are nearly unelectable in Kerala. His next run took place in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He was elected in 1992 and 1998 to the Rajya Sabha. In 1999 he attempted a second run from Thiruvram but failed again.[1] In 2006, there were rumors that Rajagopal would contest elections from Palakkad in the assembly elections for Kerala[6].

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Candidate Watch - 'O. Rajagopal, BJP candidate, Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat' The Hindu - April 28, 2004
  2. ^ Diluting MLAs’ rights The Tribune, Chandigarh - October 31, 2001
  3. ^ 18 outsiders in Rajya Sabha The Hindu - June 10, 2004
  4. ^ a b c Life & Career - Keral.com
  5. ^ Positions Held - Keral.com
  6. ^ BJP's O Rajagopal to contest from Palakkad Rediff - March 06, 2006