Virendra Kumar: Cycle repairer to Union minister

Lok Sabha MP Dr Virendra Kumar, hailing from Tikamgarh (SC reserved) in Madhya Pradesh, was recently sworn in as part of the Narendra Modi government. 

 

A respected figure in the party and an eight-time MP, Kumar has consistently represented the Tikamgarh (SC) constituency, which was established during the 2008 delimitation process. 

 

Before this, he had served four terms as the Lok Sabha representative for the neighbouring Sagar constituency in Bundelkhand.

 

Kumar's journey is a testament to his resilience and commitment. At a young age, he started assisting his father at a bicycle puncture repair shop in Sagar before pursuing a PhD in child labour. In September 2017, he assumed the role of the Minister of Women and Child Development, making a notable impact in this capacity.

 

Despite his tall political stature, Kumar remains grounded, never forgetting his modest origins. It is not uncommon to see him navigating the streets on his scooter, engaging in conversations with individuals involved in tyre puncture repair.

 

He was jailed for 16 months during the Emergency and participated in the 'Sampoorna Kranti Andolan' of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.