Priya Saroj, a name that resonates with youth, determination, and political prowess, has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring figures in recent times. At just 26 years old, she holds the distinction of being one of the youngest Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 Indian general elections. Representing the Machhlishahr constituency in Uttar Pradesh as a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate, Priya Saroj’s journey from a Supreme Court lawyer to a parliamentarian is a testament to her resilience, intellect, and commitment to public service.
Early Life and Family Background
Priya Saroj was born on November 23, 1998, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a city steeped in cultural and spiritual significance. Hailing from the Dalit community, Priya’s roots are grounded in a family with a strong political lineage. Her father, Tufani Saroj, is a seasoned politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) three times and is currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Kerakat constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Tufani Saroj’s political career spans decades, having represented Machhlishahr and Saidpur in the Lok Sabha between 1999 and 2014. His influence and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Priya’s path into politics.
Growing up in a household immersed in public service, Priya was exposed to the intricacies of governance and social issues from a young age. Despite her father’s prominence, she carved her own identity through education and professional achievements before stepping into the political arena. Her upbringing in Varanasi and later Delhi provided her with a unique blend of traditional values and modern perspectives, which she now brings to her role as an MP.
Education: From Varanasi to the Supreme Court
Priya Saroj’s academic journey reflects her dedication to learning and empowerment. She completed her schooling at the prestigious Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute in New Delhi, an institution known for its disciplined environment and quality education. This move to the national capital marked the beginning of her transformation into a well-rounded individual with a global outlook.
After excelling in her school years, Priya pursued higher education at the University of Delhi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Her curiosity and passion for justice led her to the field of law, and she enrolled at Amity University in Noida to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Graduating with a professional law degree, Priya began her legal career by practicing at the High Court and later advancing to the Supreme Court of India. Her time as a lawyer honed her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of societal inequities—experiences that would later fuel her political ambitions.
Initially, Priya aspired to become a judge, a career path that aligned with her legal expertise and desire to uphold justice. However, witnessing discrimination against marginalized communities, including her own, prompted her to reconsider her trajectory. With her father’s encouragement and her own growing awareness of systemic issues, Priya transitioned from law to politics, a decision that would soon make history.
Political Career: Rising Star of the Samajwadi Party
Priya Saroj’s entry into politics came in 2024 when the Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, fielded her as a candidate for the Machhlishahr Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh. This reserved (SC) constituency, located in Jaunpur district, had been a battleground for seasoned politicians, including the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Bholanath (B.P.) Saroj. At the age of 25 during the campaign, Priya brought a fresh perspective to the electorate, blending youthful energy with a deep understanding of local issues.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a significant shift in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance outperformed expectations, securing 43 of the state’s 80 seats, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) saw its tally drop to 36 from 64 in 2019. Priya Saroj’s victory in Machhlishahr was a highlight of this upset. She defeated B.P. Saroj by a margin of 35,850 votes, a feat that underscored her ability to connect with voters and challenge established political heavyweights.
Campaign and Victory in 2024
Priya’s campaign was rooted in grassroots engagement. She focused on addressing the concerns of Machhlishahr’s residents, including unemployment, education, healthcare, and caste-based discrimination. Her legal background enabled her to articulate these issues with clarity and propose actionable solutions. Voters saw her as a relatable leader—an educated young woman from their own community who genuinely cared about their welfare.
Her victory on June 4, 2024, cemented her status as the second-youngest MP in the 18th Lok Sabha, a milestone that garnered national attention. At 25 years and 5 months old during the election, Priya joined the ranks of other young parliamentarians like Pushpendra Saroj and Sanjana Jatav, signaling a generational shift in Indian politics. Her term officially began on June 9, 2024, and she remains in office as of February 28, 2025, actively representing her constituency.
Personal Life: Engagement Rumors with Rinku Singh
Beyond her political achievements, Priya Saroj has recently captured headlines due to rumors of her engagement to Indian cricketer Rinku Singh. Born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku is a rising star in the cricketing world, known for his explosive batting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Kolkata Knight Riders and his international debut for India in 2023. The speculation intensified in early 2025, with social media abuzz about a possible union between the politician and the sportsman.
Priya’s father, Tufani Saroj, addressed these rumors in January 2025, clarifying that while discussions between the families were ongoing, no formal engagement had taken place. “Priya is in Thiruvananthapuram for some work, and no, her engagement with Rinku Singh has not happened,” he told the media. Despite the denial, the rumored connection has sparked widespread interest, blending the worlds of politics and cricket in a narrative that captivates the public.
Neither Priya nor Rinku has commented extensively on the matter, choosing instead to focus on their respective careers. However, the buzz reflects their status as young achievers who inspire admiration across different spheres of Indian society.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Priya Saroj’s financial transparency adds another layer to her public persona. According to her election affidavit filed with the Election Commission of India in 2024, her total net worth stands at approximately ₹11.25 lakh (₹11,25,719). This includes:
- Cash: ₹75,000
- Bank Deposits: ₹10,10,000 in Union Bank and ₹8,719 in Canara Bank
- Jewelry: 5 grams of gold valued at ₹32,000
- Liabilities: Nil
- Immovable Assets: None (no house or land in her name)
- Vehicles: None
In contrast, her father, Tufani Saroj, boasts a net worth of over ₹6.55 crore, highlighting a stark financial disparity between the two. Priya’s modest assets have earned her the unofficial title of Uttar Pradesh’s “poorest MP,” especially when compared to figures like Hema Malini, whose wealth exceeds ₹287 crore. This simplicity resonates with her constituents, reinforcing her image as a grounded leader.
Contributions and Vision as an MP
Since taking office, Priya Saroj has been vocal in the Lok Sabha, leveraging her legal expertise to advocate for her constituency and marginalized communities. Her attendance in the Winter Session of 2024 stood at 95%, surpassing the national average of 84% and the state average of 90%, according to PRS India. While she has not yet introduced private member bills or participated extensively in debates (zero contributions as of December 2024), her focus remains on constituency-level development.
Priya’s vision includes improving infrastructure, enhancing educational opportunities, and addressing caste-based inequalities in Machhlishahr. Her youth and legal background position her as a bridge between traditional politics and modern governance, making her a role model for aspiring leaders.
Challenges and Controversies
Priya Saroj’s political journey has not been without hurdles. During the 2024 elections, she faced two criminal cases related to election misconduct (IPC Section-171F) and disobedience to public orders (IPC Section-188), as per her affidavit on MyNeta. These charges, common in India’s contentious electoral landscape, have not deterred her momentum. Additionally, her rapid rise has drawn scrutiny from opponents questioning her experience, a critique she counters with her dedication and results.
Legacy and Future Prospects
At 26, Priya Saroj is just beginning her political career, yet her impact is undeniable. As a young, educated Dalit woman in a male-dominated field, she challenges stereotypes and inspires a new generation of leaders. Her victory in 2024 and her principled approach signal a promising future, whether in expanding her influence within the Samajwadi Party or tackling national issues in Parliament.
Looking ahead, Priya aims to strengthen her constituency’s socio-economic fabric while navigating the complexities of Indian politics. Whether or not the rumored engagement with Rinku Singh materializes, her story is one of perseverance, intellect, and a commitment to change.
Conclusion
Priya Saroj, MP from Machhlishahr, embodies the spirit of modern India—young, dynamic, and rooted in service. From her early days in Varanasi to her historic win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she has defied odds and set a high standard for political leadership. As she continues to grow in stature, Priya Saroj remains a name to watch, both in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
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