Monday, 14 June 2021 | PNS | Haldwani
Known as the Iron Lady of Uttarakhand, the late Indira Hridayesh was a power centre of politics since the creation of Uttarakhand. She was one of the most experienced politicians in the state, active since the times of undivided Uttar Pradesh.
Born on April 7, 1941, Hridayesh had played an important role in the politics of the state. She had made considerable contribution towards development of Haldwani- the gateway to the Kumaon region. Elected as an MLC four times and an MLA four times, she was politically active for about four decades and known to be a repository of knowledge on parliamentary procedures. She was first elected member of legislative council from 1974 to 1980 in undivided Uttar Pradesh. This was followed by subsequent elections as an MLC from 1986 to 1992, 1992 to 1998 and 1998 to 2000. After creation of Uttarakhand state in 2000 she was a cabinet minister in the state government under chief minister ND Tiwari and had played a crucial role in running of the government. She again became a cabinet minister in the Congress government from 2021 to 2017 after being elected to the Vidhan Sabha again from Haldwani. She handled various important portfolios including finance and parliamentary affairs. Elected yet again from Haldwani in 2017, she was chosen as the leader of opposition in the Assembly. Appreciated by politicians of all political parties for her experience and knowledge, she was approached even by her rival politicians for advice at times. In addition to her work for the state, she was known for her efforts to improve the condition of Haldwani where she had introduced LED street lights and facilitated the laying of a network of roads. She had also made consistent efforts towards making an international sports stadium, inter state bus terminus and a zoo in Haldwani though these could not be achieved during her lifetime.
