Rakesh Singha Political Journey: Rise, Struggle and Comeback Story

 Rakesh Singha was born on 8 December 1956 in an orchard owner family of apple sector in Thanedar, Shimla district (Himachal Pradesh). 

Rakesh Singha history

rakesh singha education

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He studied at Himachal Pradesh University and obtained LLB degree. 

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Coming from a farmer/planter background, he developed early connections with the issues of workers and farmers in his area. 

Entry into politics and activism

Singha's political career began from his student days at Himachal Pradesh University, where he was active as a student leader. 

He affiliated himself with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the associated trade-union wing. Over time, he emerged as a labor and farmers' rights activist, participating in demonstrations involving hotel workers, daily wage-laborers, hydro-electric project workers, and farmers.

First electoral success and disqualification

In 1993, Rakesh Singha was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Shimla constituency. 

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However, his first term was cut short due to a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified him due to prior convictions. In 1978, when he was a student, he was involved in a murder case; He was convicted in 1987 and in 1996 the Supreme Court upheld the verdict, thereby disqualifying him. 

This disqualification dealt a serious blow to his political career, but it also became a story of redemption for him. 

labor and union work

After the disqualification, Singha did not withdraw from politics; Instead, he intensified the work of his union and farmers' rights. He joined the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Himachal Kisan Union. 

For example, in 2015 there was an attempt on his life when he was leading a labor protest against a hydro-electric project (Wangtu Karcham) in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh; The CPI(M) issued a press statement condemning the incident. 

CPI(M)

In 1999, he was implicated in a case of labor unrest at the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-Tunnel Project; He, along with others, was initially convicted but later acquitted by the Himachal High Court in 2012 as the evidence was found to be full of contradictions. 

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Return to electoral politics and historic victory

After years of activism and grassroots work, Rakesh Singha contested the Theog constituency again in the 2012 Himachal Pradesh Assembly election, but did not win. 

Then in 2017, he won the Theog seat and became the first CPI(M) MLA in Himachal Pradesh in almost 24 years. 

Her victory was notable because it demonstrated the potential of the Left in a region where politics had long been dominated by the big national parties (BJP and Congress). 

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Major issues and political style

Singha is known for adopting a combative, protest-oriented style of politics. He often positions himself as a champion of workers' rights, farmers' interests and opposition to big power-project promoters. 

He has also stressed the importance of ideological commitment: he has been quoted as saying that his revolutionary inclinations are due to his commitment to certain ideas that he practices. 

His areas of work include:

Labor rights in hydropower industries

Issues of farmers' land and gardeners in Shimla region

Demand for investigation when justice is delayed (for example in the Kotkhai rape and murder case). 

Challenges and controversies

The earlier conviction and disqualification in 1996 remains part of his political history, and has been the subject of media attention.

The labor unrest case in Nathpa Jhakri and the subsequent acquittal is another such case. 

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Politically too, while his 2017 victory was significant, maintaining that victory and continuing to perform well in a constituency with many challenges has been difficult.

Recent developments and outlook

He served as the MLA from Theog for the term starting in 2017. However, he faces an uphill battle in subsequent elections (for example, in 2022). (The specific result is not cited here, but the media has paid attention to his tenure and further challenge.) 

As per a profile his net worth: around ₹19.31 crore and liabilities around ₹14.96 lakh. 

Going forward, his relevance in Himachal's political landscape depends on his ability to translate his activism into legislative outcomes – improving labor conditions, supporting farmers and developing the constituency.

Significance and legacy

Rakesh Singha's entry and victory in 2017 marked the resurgence of the Left (CPI(M)) in a region where it was virtually absent for decades. 

His journey marks a transition from student activism → union work → electoral politics, with the added narrative of overcoming legal disqualification.

rakesh singha previous offices

He stands for his identification with grassroots issues rather than pure electoral politics.

His legacy will likely be measured by how he balanced activism (protest) with governance (as an MLA) and whether he was able to deliver in a constituency that requires infrastructure, employment and power industry regulation.