Manohar Lal Khattar's Remarkable Journey from RSS Worker to Union Minister

Once a dedicated RSS pracharak (full-time worker), Manohar Lal Khattar has achieved yet another milestone in his remarkable political journey. The 70-year-old leader, known as the fourth "Lal" of Haryana politics, has been inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, marking his rise from a grassroots RSS worker to a Union Minister. 

Khattar's association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began in 1977, and by 1980, he had become a full-time pracharak, dedicating himself to the organization's ideals. In 1994, he took the plunge into electoral politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

His first major political victory came in 2014 when he won the Karnal Assembly seat, paving the way for his appointment as the Chief Minister of Haryana. Despite being a newcomer to electoral politics, Khattar's determination and leadership skills propelled him to the top position in the state.

During his tenure as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2023, Khattar focused on inclusive development, aiming to unify the state under the vision of "Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek" (One Haryana, One Haryanvi). His sensitivity towards marginalised communities stemmed from his own humble background, shaping his approach to governance.

In March 2023, Khattar stepped down as Chief Minister, making way for Nayab Singh Saini to take over the reins. However, his political journey was far from over. The BJP fielded him as their candidate for the Karnal Lok Sabha seat in the recent general elections, replacing the sitting MP Sanjay Bhatia.

Khattar's unwavering dedication and popularity among the people of Karnal proved invaluable, as he secured a resounding victory over his Congress opponent, Divyanshu Budhiraja, by a margin of 2,32,577 votes. 

Born on May 5, 1954, in Nindana village, Rohtak, Khattar's journey from a humble RSS pracharak to a Union Minister is a testament to his perseverance and commitment to public service. His inclusion in the Modi cabinet marks a new chapter in his political life, one that he embarks upon with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the people he serves.