# Banwari Lal Sharma

Banwari Lal Sharma (1939 or 1940 – 23 October 2024) was an Indian politician, who served as a Cabinet minister in the Government of Rajasthan. Sharma spent over 50 years in politics representing Dholpur and defeated the likes of Vasundhara Raje Scindia and gave a tough challenge to Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the Vice President of India.
Known as the Brahmin leader of Rajasthan and member of the political Jagan family, Sharma was considered the face of the Indian National Congress, and from 2018, Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan.

## Early life and education

Banwari Lal Sharma was born in the city of Dholpur, a region near the city of Agra, in the state of Rajasthan. He was born to the prominent Jagan Family, a family known for its deep roots in both political and entrepreneurial spheres within India. His father, Jagannath Prasad Sharma, in whose name the family name and business still stands today, was an influential figure in India, with very close relations to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Jagan was known for patronising Brahmins, which was taken forward by Sharma and his son, Ashok Sharma. Famously, if Jagan is written on any vehicle, even the dacoits active in the area at that time would not dare to stop it.

## Political career
### Initial years and representation

Sharma began his political journey in 1962 at the age of 24, emerging as a strong contender for the Congress party. He was a candidate for the Dholpur assembly seat for eight consecutive terms.

### Ministerial roles

Sharma's leadership skills were soon recognised on a larger scale, leading to his appointment as a senior Cabinet Minister in multiple Rajasthan governments. Throughout his ministerial tenures, Sharma was instrumental in various state decisions and policies.

### Relationship with other political figures

In a remarkable electoral battle in the 1993 Legislative election, Sharma defeated the former Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje Scindia. The 1993 election was the first instance, since independence, where the House of Scindia had to face defeat. Post 2018, despite past electoral rivalry, a notable closeness developed between Sharma, his son Ashok, and Vasundhara Raje Scindia.

## Personal life and legacy

Banwari Lal Sharma inherited politics to become a political figure and the patriarch of the Jagan family. His father Jagannath Prasad Sharma was considered the Chanakya of politics and had very close relations with the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. On multiple occasions, the Prime Ministers have visited his residence.
His son, Ashok Sharma, was a recognised and senior figure in the BJP before his untimely death in 2022. His nephew, Ritesh Sharma, was the chairman of Dholpur Council, and candidate in the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election. His daughter-in-law Neerja Sharma was also a BJP candidate in the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election.
Beyond politics, Sharma's influence spanned across as the leader of Brahmin society in North India. His reach and impact are visible across states as far as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.
Referred affectionately as ‘MLA Saheb’ by the public, Sharma was very sociable. His opponents gave him respect and its claimed later would come to Sharma for advice.
Sharma died on 23 October 2024, at the age of 84.