Sunita Duggal is a name that resonates with resilience, dedication, and grassroots leadership in Indian politics. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she rose to prominence as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Sirsa, Haryana, during the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024). A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer turned politician, Sunita has navigated a remarkable journey from bureaucracy to the political arena, earning accolades and facing challenges along the way. This biography delves into her early life, education, career transitions, political achievements, and her role as a woman leader in Haryana politics, offering insights into why she remains a significant figure in the BJP.
Early Life: A Foundation in Haryana
Sunita Duggal was born on April 29, 1968, in Rohtak, Haryana, a city known for its vibrant cultural heritage and political dynamism. Growing up in a middle-class family, she was shaped by the values of hard work and discipline. While details about her parents and early influences remain limited, her upbringing in Haryana—a state with a rich agricultural backbone and complex socio-political landscape—laid the groundwork for her later engagement with public service.
Her connection to Haryana deepened through her marriage to Rajesh Duggal, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Haryana cadre. Rajesh’s career in law enforcement complemented Sunita’s own trajectory in governance, creating a household rooted in public duty. This partnership would later influence her political career, offering her a unique perspective on administration and security—key issues in her constituency.
Education: A Scholarly Path
Sunita Duggal’s academic credentials set her apart early on. She pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, graduating in June 1992. This prestigious institution, known for its contributions to agricultural sciences, provided her with a strong scientific foundation and analytical skills—attributes that would prove invaluable in her bureaucratic and political roles.
Her postgraduate education not only showcased her intellectual prowess but also her ability to excel in a male-dominated academic field during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This academic rigor foreshadowed her disciplined approach to tackling complex challenges, whether in tax administration or parliamentary debates.
Career in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Before entering politics, Sunita Duggal built a formidable career in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), where she served for 22 years. Joining the IRS in 1992, she rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, showcasing her expertise in financial governance and tax policy. Her tenure in the Income Tax Department spanned various postings, giving her a deep understanding of economic disparities and administrative intricacies across India.
As an IRS officer, Sunita worked on the frontlines of tax compliance and enforcement, dealing with issues that directly impacted citizens and businesses. This experience honed her problem-solving skills and gave her insights into Haryana’s fiscal landscape—knowledge she later leveraged as a politician. In 2014, at the age of 46, she took voluntary retirement from the IRS, a bold move driven by her aspiration to serve the public more directly through politics.
Entry into Politics: Joining the BJP
Sunita Duggal’s political journey began in 2014 when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a decision influenced by her bureaucratic background and alignment with the party’s development-focused agenda. Her entry coincided with a period of BJP ascendancy in Haryana under leaders like Manohar Lal Khattar, who became Chief Minister that year. Sunita’s IRS credentials and educational qualifications made her an appealing candidate for a party seeking technocrats to bolster its ranks.
Her first electoral test came in the 2014 Haryana Vidhan Sabha elections, where she contested from Ratia, a reserved Scheduled Caste (SC) constituency in Fatehabad district. Despite her efforts, she lost to the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) candidate by a narrow margin of 453 votes. Though a setback, this debut demonstrated her willingness to engage with grassroots politics and her appeal among voters in a constituency close to her residence.
Following this defeat, the BJP recognized her potential and appointed her Chairperson of the Haryana Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (HSCFDC). This role allowed her to address the welfare of marginalized communities, aligning with her commitment to social equity—a theme that would define her political career.
Rise to Prominence: Sirsa MP in 2019
Sunita Duggal’s breakthrough came in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the BJP fielded her from Sirsa, a reserved SC constituency in Haryana. Facing formidable opponents like Ashok Tanwar of the Congress—who had previously held the seat from 2009 to 2014—she campaigned tirelessly, emphasizing development, farmer welfare, and women’s empowerment. Her victory was resounding, securing 7,08,813 votes (52.16%) and defeating Tanwar by over 3 lakh votes, a margin reflecting her strong connect with Sirsa’s rural and SC voters.
Sworn in on May 23, 2019, Sunita served as Sirsa’s MP until June 5, 2024, marking her first term in the 17th Lok Sabha. Her tenure was notable for her active participation in parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance, and the Joint Committee on the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill. She also introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2023, proposing a new Article 48B, reflecting her legislative initiative.
In October 2019, when the BJP fell short of a majority in the Haryana Assembly elections, Sunita played a crucial role in consolidating support by escorting Independent MLAs from Sirsa to Delhi, ensuring BJP’s coalition stability. This act underscored her loyalty and political acumen, earning her goodwill within the party.
Challenges and Controversies
Sunita Duggal’s political journey has not been without hurdles. As a Dalit leader representing a constituency with 29.2% SC voters and a significant Sikh population (20.11%), she faced the challenge of balancing diverse interests. Her tenure as Sirsa MP saw protests from farmers, particularly during the 2020–2021 farm law agitations. In one instance, farm activists confronted her, waving black flags and demanding accountability—a reflection of the agrarian unrest gripping Haryana.
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP replaced her with Ashok Tanwar, a decision that stirred controversy. At a rally in Rori, Sirsa, alongside Manohar Lal Khattar, Sunita publicly expressed displeasure, likening the event to her “farewell party” and attributing the ticket denial to Khattar’s influence. Despite the jab, she pledged to support Tanwar’s victory, showcasing her party loyalty. Khattar, in response, called her his “bhanji” (niece), attempting to diffuse tensions by emphasizing familial ties.
2024 Haryana Assembly Elections: A New Chapter
Undeterred by the Lok Sabha ticket cut, Sunita Duggal re-entered the electoral fray in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, contesting again from Ratia as the BJP candidate. Now 56, she brought her experience as an ex-MP and her bureaucratic pedigree to the campaign. Her affidavit declared assets worth Rs 11.6 crore (Rs 3.4 crore movable, Rs 8.2 crore immovable) and liabilities of Rs 3.2 crore, with an annual income of Rs 66.8 lakh—figures reflecting her financial stability.
Her campaign faced resistance, however. Local BJP leader Laxman Napa, the outgoing Ratia MLA, defected to Congress after being denied the ticket, complicating her prospects. Additionally, farm activists chased her at a rally in Lamba village, forcing her to acknowledge their protests’ legitimacy and call for a probe into a farmer’s death at the Khanauri border. Despite these challenges, her resilience shone through, reinforcing her reputation as a fighter.
Personal Life: Family and Values
Sunita Duggal’s personal life is anchored by her marriage to Rajesh Duggal, a respected IPS officer whose career parallels her own commitment to public service. The couple resides in Gurugram, balancing their professional lives with a low-profile family existence. While details about children or personal hobbies are scarce, Sunita’s public persona reflects humility and accessibility—traits that endear her to constituents, especially women.
Legacy and Impact: A Woman in Politics
Sunita Duggal’s journey—from an IRS officer to Sirsa MP and now a contender in state politics—embodies the rise of women in BJP and Haryana’s political sphere. Her 100% attendance in Lok Sabha sessions (versus a national average of 79%) and active participation in debates (58 against a national average of 46.7) highlight her dedication. Popular among women voters, she has championed issues like education, rural development, and SC welfare, leaving a mark on Sirsa’s socio-political fabric.
Her story inspires aspiring politicians, particularly women, proving that a blend of education, experience, and perseverance can break barriers. As of February 22, 2025, Sunita Duggal remains a dynamic figure in BJP, navigating the evolving political landscape with grit and grace.
Conclusion: Sunita Duggal’s Enduring Relevance
Sunita Duggal BJP is more than a politician; she’s a symbol of transformation—from bureaucracy to ballots, from setbacks to successes. Her biography reflects the challenges and triumphs of a woman in Indian politics, making her a compelling subject for those searching “Sunita Duggal biography” or “Haryana politician.” As she continues her journey, her legacy as a leader who bridges administration and public service endures. What do you think of Sunita Duggal’s impact? Share your views below!
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