Ashok Sharma (politician)
Ashok Sharma | |
|---|---|
Ashok Sharma in 2018 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1959 Dholpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Died | 3 August 2022 (aged 62–63) Dholpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (until 2018) |
| Parent |
|
| Education | B.Sc., Maharaj College, University of Rajasthan |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Member of the Jagan political family |
Ashok Sharma (c. 1959 – 3 August 2022) was an Indian politician from Dholpur district, Rajasthan. He was a member of the Indian National Congress until 2018 and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was the eldest son of Banwari Lal Sharma, a five-time MLA and Cabinet Minister in the Government of Rajasthan. Sharma was part of the influential Jagan political family and was known for his role in Brahmin politics in Rajasthan.
Early life and education
Ashok Sharma was born around 1959 in Dholpur, Rajasthan, into the prominent Jagan family. His father, Banwari Lal Sharma, was a senior Congress politician and Cabinet Minister. The Jagan family, founded by Jagannath Prasad Sharma, had deep political ties dating back to the Nehru era and were known to wield considerable respect among Brahmin communities throughout India.[1][2]
Sharma completed his early education in Dholpur and earned a LLB.[3]
Political career
In the Indian National Congress
Sharma began his political journey in the 1980s, becoming the President of the Youth Congress in 1984.[4] He later rose to the position of District Congress President actively organising party events near Jagan Cinema, a family landmark. In the 2008 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election, he contested the Dholpur constituency on a Congress ticket narrowly finishing second to Abdul Sagir Khan of the BJP.[5]
Switch to Bharatiya Janata Party
In October 2018, ahead of the state elections, Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at the BJP headquarters. His switch was supported by senior BJP leaders including Dushyant Singh and Arjun Ram Meghwal.[6] He was nominated to contest the Rajakhera Assembly seat in the 2018 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election, where he lost to Rohit Bohra of the Congress.[7]
Role in the Jagan family
Ashok Sharma was a key figure in the Jagan family, a political dynasty with strong roots in India. The family was respected not only for political clout but also for its symbolic authority. According to reports, the word "Jagan" painted on vehicles afforded the family respect even among mafia groups. The family also includes other public figures.[8]
Death
Sharma died of a heart attack on 3 August 2022 at his residence Jagan Bhawan in Dholpur at the age of approximately 63.[9] His death drew widespread condolences from both BJP and Congress leaders and caused congestion on the highway into Dholpur.[10] Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, MP Manoj Rajoria, and Speaker C. P. Joshi were among those who attended his cremation at Chambal Muktidham in Dholpur.[9]
Legacy
Ashok Sharma is remembered for his dedication to public service, strong organisational skills, and ability to maintain relevance across party lines. His influence within the Brahmin community of Rajasthan, and his continuation of the Jagan family's legacy, left a lasting impact on regional politics.[11]
See also
References
- ^ "विरोधी भी करते थे इज्जत! जानिए कौन थे बनवारी लाल शर्मा... जिन्होंने पूर्व CM वसुंधरा राजे को हराया था चुनाव". Zee Rajasthan (in Hindi). Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "पूर्व मंत्री बनवारी लाल शर्मा का निधन, 5 बार रहे विधायक, 1980 में पूर्व सीएम वसुंधरा राजे को दी थी शिकस्त". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 23 October 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "धौलपुर में बीजेपी नेता अशोक शर्मा का निधन: 2018 में कांग्रेस छोड़कर बीजेपी में हुए थे शामिल, 2 बार विधानसभा चुनाव लड़े". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 3 August 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "धौलपुर में भाजपा नेता अशोक शर्मा का निधन, सीपी जोशी ने जताया दुख". Zee News (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2008". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "पूर्व मंत्री बनवारीलाल शर्मा के बेटे अशोक शर्मा भाजपा में शामिल". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018 – Rajakhera". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Ashok Sharma Death: जगन की विरासत के सच्चे वाहक का निधन, पूर्वी राजस्थान में ब्राह्मण समाज के एक युग का अंत". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ a b "धौलपुर: भाजपा नेता अशोक शर्मा का निधन, खबर सुनकर चाचा को भी पड़ा दिल का दौरा". Live Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Ashok Sharma Death: जगन की विरासत के सच्चे वाहक का निधन, पूर्वी राजस्थान में ब्राह्मण समाज के एक युग का अंत". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "भाजपा नेता अशोक शर्मा का निधन, दो बार लड़ा विधानसभा चुनाव". Patrika (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 June 2025.