Amrendra Dhari Singh, often referred to as AD Singh, is a prominent Indian politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to both public service and societal welfare. As a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha representing Bihar under the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Singh has emerged as a key figure in Indian politics. Born into a distinguished Bhumihar Brahmin family with royal lineage, his journey from a rural village in Bihar to the upper echelons of Indian governance is a testament to his resilience, vision, and commitment to nation-building.
Early Life and Family Background
Amrendra Dhari Singh was born on November 10, 1959, in Ainkha village, located in the Dulhin Bazaar block of the Paliganj subdivision in Patna district, Bihar. He hails from one of Bihar’s most illustrious Bhumihar Brahmin families, known for its deep-rooted history and influence in the region. His parents, Smt. Urmila Singh and Shri Pratap Dhari Singh, were respected figures, and their legacy lives on through the famous "Urmila-Pratap Super 30" initiative, named in their honor.
Singh’s family traces its lineage back to the 14th century, descending from Nyaya Bhatt, who settled near the confluence of the Son and Ganga rivers in Patna district. His grandfather, Raja Jung Dhari Singh, was a scion of the Royal Dhari family, part of the larger Bharatpura clan, while his grandmother, Smt. Girija Kishori Devi, was the daughter of Raja Chandeshwar Prasad Narain Singh, the ruler of the Maksudpur-Chainpur Raj Estate. This royal heritage imbued Singh with a sense of responsibility and pride in his ancestral traditions.
Growing up, Singh was the middle child among four brothers. His elder brothers are Brajendra Dhari Sinha and Shailendra Dhari Singh, while his younger brothers are Pranavendra Dhari Sinha and Mrigendra Dhari Sinha. Raised in a family renowned for its contributions to Bihar’s social and political fabric, Singh inherited a legacy of leadership and philanthropy that would later define his career.
Education and Early Career
Amrendra Dhari Singh’s educational journey began at St. Michael’s School in Patna, where he completed his early schooling. Demonstrating academic promise, he pursued higher education at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, graduating with a B.A. (Hons) in 1980. His time in Delhi not only honed his intellectual abilities but also exposed him to a broader worldview, shaping his future endeavors in business and politics.
After completing his education, Singh ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. He established himself as a successful businessman with interests in real estate, fertilizers, and chemicals. His entrepreneurial acumen led him to become a key player in the import and export of fertilizers, a sector critical to India’s agricultural economy. Singh’s association with Jyoti Trading Corporation, where he served as Senior Vice President, marked a significant phase in his business career, though it would later draw scrutiny.
Entry into Politics
Amrendra Dhari Singh’s foray into politics came relatively late in his career, but his impact was immediate. In 2020, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, representing Bihar as a member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a prominent political party led by Lalu Prasad Yadav. His nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat, announced on March 12, 2020, surprised many within the RJD, as Singh was relatively unknown to party workers at the time. However, his selection was reportedly influenced by Lalu Prasad Yadav, who sought to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav base by including a Bhumihar leader like Singh.
Singh officially began his term on April 10, 2020, embarking on his first term as an MP. His parliamentary roles included serving on the Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, and, by 2021, the Committee on Health and Family Welfare. These positions allowed him to leverage his business expertise and contribute to policy discussions on agriculture, defense, and public health—sectors vital to Bihar and India at large.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Contributions
Beyond politics, Amrendra Dhari Singh has built a robust reputation as an entrepreneur. His business interests span real estate, fertilizers, and chemicals, with significant investments in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Mumbai. According to his election affidavit filed in 2020, Singh’s immovable assets are valued at Rs. 188.57 crore, with movable assets worth Rs. 49.6 crore. His income tax returns for the 2019-20 financial year reported an income exceeding Rs. 24 crore, underscoring his financial success.
Singh’s role in the fertilizer industry has been both a cornerstone of his career and a point of contention. As Senior Vice President of Jyoti Trading Corporation, a Dubai-based firm, he was involved in the import of fertilizers and raw materials for companies like the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) and Indian Potash Ltd (IPL). His efforts contributed to India’s agricultural sector, which accounts for 19.9% of the nation’s GDP, yet allegations of financial irregularities would later cast a shadow over these achievements.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
A defining aspect of Amrendra Dhari Singh’s life is his commitment to philanthropy, a tradition he inherited from his family. In 2015, he founded the Urmila Singh-Pratap Dhari Sinha Foundation in Patna, named after his parents. The foundation aims to empower underprivileged students by providing free education and coaching. Each December, it conducts an entrance exam to select 30-35 deserving students, offering them two years of free preparation for competitive exams like those for IIT, NIT, and medical institutions.
The "Urmila-Pratap Super 30" initiative, funded entirely by Singh, has become a beacon of hope for Bihar’s youth. Unlike many charitable organizations, the foundation operates without external financial aid, reflecting Singh’s belief in self-sustained social impact. Additionally, his donation of Rs. 1 crore to Kirori Mal College for auditorium renovations highlights his dedication to educational infrastructure, a gesture rooted in gratitude to his alma mater.
Singh’s philanthropy extends beyond education to include support for libraries and community welfare projects, earning him recognition as a role model for Bihar’s youth and an icon of the state’s resurgence.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Despite his accomplishments, Amrendra Dhari Singh’s career has not been without controversy. On June 3, 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him from his residence in Delhi’s Defence Colony in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged fertilizer scam. The ED’s investigation stemmed from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR filed on May 17, 2021, which accused Singh and others, including IFFCO and IPL officials, of importing fertilizers at inflated prices, thereby defrauding the government of subsidies worth crores.
Singh was implicated as a key figure in the scam due to his role at Jyoti Trading Corporation. The ED alleged that he, along with co-accused like Rajiv Saxena (a figure in the VVIP chopper scandal), facilitated the transfer of illicit funds through shell companies. Following his arrest, a Delhi court remanded him to 10 days of ED custody on June 3, 2021, citing his uncooperative stance during interrogations. The arrest sent shockwaves through political circles in Bihar and Delhi, though RJD leaders largely refrained from commenting publicly.
As of March 24, 2025, the legal proceedings remain a significant chapter in Singh’s life, with outcomes still unfolding. These events have fueled debates about his integrity, yet his supporters argue that his contributions to society outweigh the allegations.
Personal Life
Amrendra Dhari Singh is unmarried and resides in Defence Colony, Delhi, though he maintains a deep emotional connection to his native Bihar. Known for his erudite speeches in Parliament, he combines a statesmanlike demeanor with a grounded approach to public service. His personal wealth and royal lineage have often drawn attention, but Singh remains focused on his dual roles as a politician and philanthropist.
Legacy and Impact
Amrendra Dhari Singh stands as a multifaceted figure in Indian public life. His journey from a rural Bihari village to the Rajya Sabha reflects a blend of tradition and modernity. While his entrepreneurial success and philanthropy have earned him admiration, the legal challenges he faces pose questions about his legacy. Nonetheless, Singh’s efforts to uplift Bihar’s underprivileged and his contributions to national policy discussions cement his status as a significant player in India’s socio-political landscape.
Top FAQs About Amrendra Dhari Singh
- Who is Amrendra Dhari Singh?
Amrendra Dhari Singh is an Indian politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar, representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), elected in 2020. - What is Amrendra Dhari Singh’s net worth?
As per his 2020 election affidavit, his immovable assets are worth Rs. 188.57 crore, and movable assets are Rs. 49.6 crore, with an income exceeding Rs. 24 crore in 2019-20. - What is the Urmila-Pratap Super 30 initiative?
It’s a free coaching program under Singh’s foundation, started in 2015, to help 30-35 underprivileged students annually prepare for competitive exams like IIT and medical entrances. - Why was Amrendra Dhari Singh arrested?
He was arrested by the ED in June 2021 in a money laundering case tied to a fertilizer scam involving inflated import prices and subsidy fraud. - Which party does Amrendra Dhari Singh belong to?
He is a member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a major political party in Bihar led by Lalu Prasad Yadav. - Where was Amrendra Dhari Singh born?
He was born in Ainkha village, Patna district, Bihar, on November 10, 1959. - What is Amrendra Dhari Singh’s educational background?
He completed his early education at St. Michael’s School, Patna, and earned a B.A. (Hons) from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, in 1980.
Comments
Post a Comment