Nupur Sharma, a name that resonates in Indian political circles, is a lawyer-turned-politician who gained prominence as the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) until her suspension in June 2022. Known for her fiery debates, legal acumen, and unwavering stance, Sharma’s journey from a student leader to a national figure is both inspiring and controversial.
Early Life and Family Background
Nupur Sharma was born on April 23, 1985, in New Delhi, India, into a family with a rich legacy of civil servants and businessmen. Her mother hails from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, while her father, Dr. Vinay Sharma, has been a significant influence in her life. Growing up in the bustling capital city, Nupur was exposed to a blend of urban sophistication and traditional values, shaping her worldview from an early age.
Her family’s emphasis on education and public service laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Nupur’s upbringing in a well-educated household instilled in her a sense of discipline and ambition, qualities that would later define her political career. While details about her personal life, such as her marital status or husband, remain private, her focus has consistently been on her professional achievements.
Education: A Strong Academic Foundation
Nupur Sharma’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess. She completed her schooling at Delhi Public School (DPS), Mathura Road, one of the most prestigious institutions in New Delhi. Her early education honed her analytical skills, preparing her for higher studies.
She pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Hindu College, University of Delhi, a renowned institution known for producing notable alumni. During her college years, Nupur developed a keen interest in politics, which would soon become her calling. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University, solidifying her legal expertise.
Not content with just a law degree, Nupur went on to complete a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) in the United Kingdom. This international exposure enriched her understanding of global legal and political systems, making her a formidable debater and advocate.
Entry into Politics: The ABVP Years
Nupur Sharma’s political career began during her student days at Delhi University, where she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Her leadership skills shone through when she contested and won the presidency of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 2008. This victory was historic, as it ended an eight-year drought for ABVP in the DUSU elections, marking her as a rising star in student politics.
As DUSU president, Nupur championed student welfare initiatives, including the installation of water purifiers, solar lamps, and CCTV cameras for campus security. Her tenure showcased her ability to blend activism with practical governance, a trait that would later define her role in the BJP.
Rise in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
After returning from London in 2010-2011 with her LL.M., Nupur Sharma formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s largest political party. Her entry into mainstream politics was marked by her appointment to the Delhi BJP’s working committee in 2013. She worked closely with senior leaders like Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah, and Dharmendra Pradhan, gaining insights into party strategy and governance.
In 2015, at the age of 30, Nupur was fielded as the BJP candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency in the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. She faced a formidable opponent in Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and former Delhi Chief Minister. Despite a spirited campaign, she lost to Kejriwal by a margin of 31,000 votes. However, her energetic presence and articulate arguments brought her into the spotlight.
Post-election, Nupur was appointed as an official spokesperson for the BJP’s Delhi unit under Manoj Tiwari. Her legal background, bilingual skills (English and Hindi), and ability to tackle national issues made her a go-to figure for television debates. In 2020, under the presidency of J.P. Nadda, she was elevated to the position of national spokesperson, cementing her status as a key BJP voice.
Role as BJP National Spokesperson
As the national spokesperson, Nupur Sharma became a familiar face on Indian television, representing the BJP on contentious issues with confidence and aggression. Her debates often sparked outrage on social media due to her brusque demeanor and sharp retorts. Supporters lauded her for her clarity and fearlessness, while critics accused her of polarizing rhetoric.
Her tenure saw her address critical topics like the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute, economic policies, and national security. According to a Delhi BJP leader, Nupur’s legal acumen and knowledge of national issues made her an asset in debates, earning her the trust of party stalwarts like Narendra Modi and J.P. Nadda.
The 2022 Controversy: Remarks on Prophet Muhammad
Nupur Sharma’s political career took a dramatic turn in May 2022 during a television debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute. On channels like News24, Republic Bharat, and Times Now, she made remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wife Aisha’s age at the time of their marriage, citing Islamic texts. She argued that her statements were a response to the “continuous insult” of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Shiva, by other panelists.
The remarks triggered widespread outrage. By June 4, 2022, hashtags like “insult to Prophet Mohammed” trended across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Turkey. Protests erupted in India, with violence in Kanpur injuring 40 people. A tragic incident in Udaipur saw Kanhaiya Lal, a Hindu tailor supporting Nupur, brutally murdered by two extremists, an act recorded and shared online.
Facing international backlash from nations like Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, the BJP suspended Nupur on June 5, 2022, stating it “denounces insults of any religious personalities.” Nupur issued an unconditional apology, withdrawing her remarks. However, she faced multiple FIRs across India for “hurting religious sentiments,” prompting legal battles and death threats.
Aftermath and Current Status (March 2025)
Post-suspension, Nupur Sharma maintained a low profile, making rare public appearances. In June 2022, Mumbai Police struggled to locate her for questioning, and she sought extensions to appear before Kolkata Police citing security threats. In January 2023, she was granted a gun license for self-defense due to persistent threats.
Her first notable public event since the controversy was in September 2023, attending the screening of The Vaccine War by Vivek Agnihotri. More recently, in February 2025, she was spotted taking a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, chanting “Har Har Mahadev,” signaling her continued connection to her Hindu roots.
Legacy and Public Perception
Nupur Sharma’s journey reflects a blend of ambition, resilience, and controversy. Supporters view her as a fearless advocate for Hindu rights, with hashtags like #ISupportNupurSharma trending post-suspension. Critics, however, see her as a polarizing figure whose remarks fueled unrest.
Her net worth, estimated at INR 3-4 crores as of 2022, stems from her legal practice and political engagements. While her future in the BJP remains uncertain, her impact on Indian political discourse is undeniable.
Top FAQs About Nupur Sharma
- Who is Nupur Sharma?
Nupur Sharma is an Indian politician and lawyer, formerly the national spokesperson of the BJP until her suspension in June 2022. - Why was Nupur Sharma suspended from the BJP?
She was suspended due to controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate in May 2022, sparking domestic and international outrage. - What is Nupur Sharma’s educational background?
She holds a B.A. in Economics and an LL.B. from Delhi University, and an LL.M. from the London School of Economics. - Is Nupur Sharma married?
There is no public information confirming her marital status or husband as of March 2025. - What is Nupur Sharma doing now?
As of March 2025, she is practicing law independently and has made rare public appearances, such as at the Maha Kumbh 2025. - What was the 2022 Nupur Sharma controversy?
Her remarks on Prophet Muhammad led to protests, violence, and a diplomatic row, resulting in her suspension from the BJP. - What is Nupur Sharma’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at INR 3-4 crores, derived from her legal and political career.
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