Sushma Patel is a prominent Indian politician and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Mungra Badshahpur constituency in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Known for her inspiring journey from an academic background to a successful political career, Sushma Patel has made a significant mark in Uttar Pradesh politics. Representing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) during her tenure as an MLA in the 17th Legislative Assembly (2017–2022), she later joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) in 2022.
Early Life and Education
Sushma Patel was born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a politically active family with a rich legacy. While her exact date of birth is not widely publicized, she is believed to be in her early 30s as of her election in 2017, making her one of the younger MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly at the time. Her family background played a crucial role in shaping her political aspirations. Her father-in-law, Doodh Nath Patel, was an MLA from the Madianhu constituency in Jaunpur in 1985, and her mother-in-law, Savitri Patel, served as an MLA from the same constituency from 1989 to 1996. This deep-rooted political heritage provided Sushma with early exposure to the world of politics.
Sushma Patel pursued her education with dedication, earning a postgraduate degree. She was reportedly preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exams in Delhi for two years, aiming to follow in the footsteps of her husband, Ranjit Singh Patel, a former PCS (Provincial Civil Services) officer. However, her life took a different turn when her mother-in-law encouraged her to step into politics, urging her to contest elections and serve the people directly. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her political journey.
Personal Life
Sushma Patel is married to Ranjit Singh Patel, a former PCS officer who also ventured into politics. Ranjit contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections from the Pratapgarh Sadar constituency as a BSP candidate but was unsuccessful. The couple’s shared interest in public service and politics has been a cornerstone of their relationship. Sushma and Ranjit reside in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with their permanent address listed as 261-A, Omex City, Opposite Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-226025.
Despite her busy political career, Sushma Patel remains grounded in her roots and is known for her commitment to her family and constituents. Her husband’s experience in administration and politics has complemented her efforts, making them a notable power couple in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Sushma Patel’s entry into politics was a blend of personal ambition and familial encouragement. Initially focused on becoming an IAS officer, she shifted her path at the behest of her mother-in-law, Savitri Patel, who saw her potential to serve the public through elected office. This decision proved to be a turning point, as Sushma embraced the challenge and stepped into the political arena.
2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections
Sushma Patel’s political career gained prominence when she contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections from the Mungra Badshahpur constituency in Jaunpur district. Representing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), she faced a formidable opponent in Seema Dwivedi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a well-known leader in the region. Despite the strong BJP wave sweeping across Uttar Pradesh during the elections, Sushma emerged victorious, defeating Seema Dwivedi by a margin of 5,920 votes. She secured 69,326 votes, showcasing her ability to connect with voters and overcome the prevailing political tide.
Her victory in 2017 marked her as a first-time MLA in the 17th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh, a term that ran from March 19, 2017, to March 2022. At the age of 30, she was one of the youngest legislators in the assembly, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to her role.
Tenure as MLA
During her tenure as the MLA of Mungra Badshahpur, Sushma Patel focused on addressing key issues in her constituency, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Her background in academics and her husband’s administrative experience informed her approach to governance, enabling her to advocate effectively for her constituents.
Sushma maintained an impressive attendance record in the assembly, with a reported attendance of 89.4%, higher than the state average of 82.4%. This commitment to her legislative duties underscored her dedication to representing the people of Mungra Badshahpur.
Suspension from BSP and Switch to Samajwadi Party
In 2020, Sushma Patel faced a setback when the Bahujan Samaj Party suspended her from the party. The reasons for her suspension were not explicitly detailed in public sources, but it marked a significant turning point in her political career. On January 2, 2022, Sushma, along with her husband Ranjit Singh Patel, joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the presence of SP president Akhilesh Yadav. This move aligned her with a new political ideology and opened up fresh opportunities to continue her public service under a different banner.
Her transition to the Samajwadi Party reflected her adaptability and determination to remain active in politics despite challenges. As of March 2025, she continues to be associated with the SP, working to strengthen the party’s presence in Jaunpur and beyond.
Achievements and Contributions
Sushma Patel’s political career, though relatively brief as of 2025, is marked by several notable achievements:
- Victory Against the BJP Wave: Her win in the 2017 elections against a strong BJP candidate highlighted her grassroots appeal and ability to mobilize voters in a challenging political climate.
- Focus on Constituency Development: As an MLA, Sushma prioritized development projects in Mungra Badshahpur, including improvements in roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
- Advocacy for Women: Coming from a family of strong women leaders, Sushma has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, inspiring young women to participate in politics.
- High Legislative Participation: Her above-average attendance in the assembly reflects her commitment to her role as a legislator and her engagement with state-level issues.
Financial Details
Sushma Patel’s financial disclosures, as reported during her 2017 election candidacy, provide insight into her economic background. She declared assets worth approximately ₹1.53 crore (₹15,353,000) and liabilities of ₹25.6 lakh (₹2,560,000). Her primary occupation is listed as a businessperson, indicating that she has interests outside of politics that contribute to her financial standing. Notably, no criminal cases have been reported against her, reflecting a clean legal record.
Public Image and Legacy
Sushma Patel is widely regarded as a dynamic and approachable leader. Her journey from an aspiring IAS officer to a successful MLA resonates with many young Indians, particularly women, who see her as a role model. Her ability to navigate the complexities of Uttar Pradesh politics, including her switch from BSP to SP, demonstrates her resilience and strategic acumen.
Her legacy is still evolving, but her contributions to Mungra Badshahpur and her advocacy for marginalized communities have left a positive impact. As she continues her political career with the Samajwadi Party, her influence is expected to grow, potentially leading to higher responsibilities within the party and the state.
Conclusion
Sushma Patel’s biography is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and commitment to public service. From her early days as a student preparing for the IAS to her tenure as an MLA and her subsequent shift to the Samajwadi Party, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome challenges and serve her constituents. As of March 2025, Sushma Patel remains an active figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, with a promising future ahead. Her story continues to inspire those who aspire to make a difference through public service.
Top FAQs About Sushma Patel, MLA
1. Who is Sushma Patel?
Sushma Patel is an Indian politician and former MLA from the Mungra Badshahpur constituency in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. She served in the 17th Legislative Assembly (2017–2022) as a BSP representative before joining the Samajwadi Party in 2022.
2. What is Sushma Patel’s educational background?
Sushma Patel is a postgraduate and was preparing for the IAS exams in Delhi before entering politics at the encouragement of her mother-in-law.
3. Which political parties has Sushma Patel been associated with?
Sushma Patel was initially a member of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), winning the 2017 elections under its banner. She later joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) in January 2022.
4. What is Sushma Patel’s constituency?
Sushma Patel represented the Mungra Badshahpur constituency in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, during her term as an MLA from 2017 to 2022.
5. Who is Sushma Patel’s husband?
Sushma Patel is married to Ranjit Singh Patel, a former PCS officer and politician who contested the 2017 elections from Pratapgarh Sadar as a BSP candidate.
6. What are Sushma Patel’s major achievements?
Her major achievements include winning the 2017 elections against a strong BJP candidate, focusing on constituency development, and maintaining a high attendance record in the assembly.
7. Why did Sushma Patel leave the BSP?
Sushma Patel was suspended from the BSP in 2020 for reasons not fully disclosed publicly. She subsequently joined the Samajwadi Party in 2022.
8. What is Sushma Patel’s net worth?
As per her 2017 election affidavit, Sushma Patel’s assets are worth approximately ₹1.53 crore, with liabilities of ₹25.6 lakh.
9. Does Sushma Patel have any criminal cases?
No, there are no reported criminal cases against Sushma Patel as of the latest available information.
10. What is Sushma Patel’s current political status?
As of March 2025, Sushma Patel is a member of the Samajwadi Party and remains active in Uttar Pradesh politics.
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