Ajay Rai, born on October 7, 1969, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is an influential Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) since 2012. He hails from a Bhumihar family in the Ghazipur district and is the son of Parvati Devi Rai and Surendra Rai.
Rai began his political career as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker and later became a convener for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). His early political journey was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he was part of the youth wing. Between 1996 and 2007, Rai won the Legislative Assembly elections from the Kolasla constituency three times consecutively on a BJP ticket.
Rai joined the Samajwadi Party and contested the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, albeit unsuccessfully. He then won the 2009 Legislative Assembly by-election from Kolasla as an independent candidate. In 2012, Rai transitioned to the Indian National Congress and secured a victory from the newly created Pindra constituency in the Assembly elections.
Rai has contested the Varanasi parliamentary seat in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections, facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but was unsuccessful. Despite these setbacks, Rai has maintained a significant political presence and currently serves as the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.
Ajay Rai's political journey is characterized by his dynamic affiliations, electoral successes, and notable challenges, particularly in high-profile contests against prominent leaders like Narendra Modi. His evolving roles and strongman image have significantly shaped his career in Uttar Pradesh politics.
His official Twitter handle is @kashikirai and the name of his official Facebook page is Ajay Rai. He is also active on Instagram, under the username @kashikiraiofficial.
A major political row has erupted between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party following the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust amid controversy surrounding alleged donation irregularities. The Congress party questioned the appointment, alleging the post belongs to saints and claiming the government is attempting to bury the issue. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress ally IUML also criticised the government over the move. Defending the decision, the BJP stated that the newly appointed CEO will bring transparency and reform the temple administration. Speaking to India Today, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him. Mishra, an Ati Vishisht Seva Medal awardee and former Western Air Command chief who led during Operation Sindoor, retired after nearly four decades in the Indian Air Force.
A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh following an event in Ayodhya where fish was served during the holy month of Shravan around a visit by state Congress leaders. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the Congress leadership, accusing them of disrespecting local heritage and religious sentiments after visiting the Hanumangadhi temple. In response, Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai refuted the allegations, stating that he did not consume fish and challenging the Chief Minister to provide photographic evidence or resign, offering his own resignation if proven guilty. Meanwhile, Congress leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh clarified that the meal was prepared by the Nishad community as part of their traditional practices after the official party function had concluded. Adding to the debate, state cabinet ministers Sanjay Nishad and Om Prakash Rajbhar offered differing perspectives on dietary traditions and community practices. The debate continues to generate significant political discussion across the state.
A political controversy has erupted over a food arrangement during a welcome program organized in Ayodhya during the month of Sawan. The opposition party has backed its state chief following criticism regarding fish being served at the venue. The party questioned the focus on dietary preferences and argued that real issues like paper leaks and financial irregularities are being sidelined by political opponents. Addressing the allegations, the state leader emphasized that the event was hosted by members of a community historically associated with river navigation and fishing. The leader denied consuming non-vegetarian food at the event, stating that dietary choices are a constitutional right. Furthermore, the leader challenged the state administration to produce evidence, offering to step down from the leadership position if proven guilty, while demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister if the claims are unverified.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating protests at Delhi University against the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new equity regulations. Students from the general category have labeled the norms a 'black law,' expressing fears of 'reverse discrimination' and the potential weaponisation of complaints due to confidential identities and the shifted burden of proof. National Students' Union of India (NSUI) President Varun Choudhary defended the regulations, stating, 'We are about equality, talking about equality,' while highlighting that 70% of OBC professor vacancies remain unfilled due to systemic discrimination. The programme examines the clash of perceptions between those viewing the norms as a correction of historical injustice and those fearing new forms of exclusion. The report also notes political friction, with the BJP attacking Congress's support for the norms while citing Prime Minister Modi's 10% EWS quota for the upper-caste poor as the alternative approach to inclusive growth.
On this news report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's scathing observations regarding the 2026 UGC regulations. The top court stayed the new norms, questioning if the country is 'losing gains of 75 years' and moving in a 'regressive direction' by using vague language prone to misuse. Varun Choudhary, President of the Congress youth wing NSUI, stated, 'this is mostly seen that it happens more with SC, ST and OBC' while clarifying that the NSUI stands against all forms of discrimination. The broadcast highlights the court's concern over campus unity and the potential for catastrophic damage if guidelines are not accurately drafted. The 2012 regulations will continue to remain in effect as the court seeks expert opinion for a redraft. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on 19th March, as stakeholders from the BJP, Congress, and student communities react to the potential for internal rifts and the necessity for robust equity guidelines in higher education.
A clash broke out between ABVP and NSUI at KMC College during the DUSU election campaign. NSUI accused ABVP of using violence to intimidate its workers and disrupt their program. UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai was at Delhi University supporting NSUI and addressing students from Purvanchal. India Today has contacted ABVP for a response.
Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai has generated a new controversy with his remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Speaking in Varanasi, Rai responded to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's suggestion for citizens to have three children for population control by attacking the Sangh. He stated, "RSS is a widower's ki fauj." Rai questioned how the RSS could advise on family matters when its members are unmarried. This comment follows another incident where a Congress worker used abusive language against PM Modi in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party has reacted sharply, demanding an apology from the Congress for Rai's statement. The incident has intensified the political conflict between the parties in Uttar Pradesh.
A political showdown has erupted between BJP and Congress over recent comments by Congress leader Ajay Rai. BJP MP Nishkant Dubey accused Congress of demoralising the country's armed forces, stating, 'The Congress is busy demoralising the armed forces of the country.' The controversy escalated after Rai's comments were reportedly picked up by Pakistani media. The BJP has condemned posts mocking the armed forces, while the government maintains its stance on taking firm and decisive action.
UP investigates a Congress protester's death during a Lucknow march, questioning police and party claims.
Congress staged protests in Lucknow against BJP policies, highlighting issues like unemployment and sugarcane farmers' concerns.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai announced plans to defy police orders and visit violence-hit Sambhal on Monday, despite heightened security measures.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav on Saturday visited the Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi before a roadshow for Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai, who is contesting against PM Modi from the high-profile seat.
Amidst the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, posters were put up in Varanasi by party workers showing Rahul Gandhi as 'Lord Krishna' and UP Congress chief Ajay Rai as 'Arjuna'. Notably the yatra, which started in violence-hit Manipur, is currently passing through Uttar Pradesh. It will cover 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 110 districts before culminating in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai slammed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the state government's decision to ban food products with halal certification.
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, newly appointed President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Ajay Rai, confirmed on Friday.
The newly appointed President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Ajay Rai, on Friday said that Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi. The decision would set the stage for a significant electoral showdown, positioning Rahul Gandhi directly against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union minister Smriti Irani. On today's episode of To the point, Preeti Choudhry talks about the possible political outcomes of two prominent faces from the rival parties, Congress and BJP, entering the fray. Joining the conversation are India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Senior journalist Rasheed Kidwai, National Affairs Editor Rahul Shrivastava, and author Ratan Sharda.
Following his appointment as the new Congress chief in Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Rai on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi would "absolutely" be a contender in the Amethi constituency. This affirmation comes in response to ongoing speculation about Rahul Gandhi's potential participation. Asked about the likelihood of Priyanka Gandhi contesting in the 2024 elections, Ajay Rai responded that Priyanka Gandhi would choose her own contesting location. He emphasized that if she opted to challenge PM Modi in Varanasi, the entire party workforce would unite to secure her triumph. In reference to Smriti Irani, Ajay Rai directed attention to her previous promise of making sugar accessible at a cost of ₹13 per kilo. He called for accountability, urging her to clarify where the promised sugar had gone.
A Varanasi court in Uttar Pradesh held gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari guilty in the 32-year-old murder case of Awadhesh Rai. The quantum of sentence will be announced shortly today. On August 3, 1991, Congress leader and brother of former MLA Ajay Rai, Awadhesh Rai, was shot dead outside Ajay Rai's house in Varanasi. In this case, Ajay Rai had named Mukhtar Ansari, Bhim Singh and former MLA Abdul Kalim, in the FIR. "Mukhtar has been convicted in the Awadhesh Rai murder case of 1991. The court will pronounce its judgment later in the day," a lawyer told reporters in Varanasi.
In solidarity with Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders have come forward in support of the party's senior leader who was issued an eviction notice by the Lok Sabha Housing Committee on Monday. Following his disqualification as an MP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to vacate his official bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi by April 22. In view of the development, Congress leader Ajay Rai welcomed him in Varanasi by 'dedicating' his ancestral property to Rahul Gandhi and stuck a poster with the name 'Mera Ghar, Shree Rahul Gandhi Ji Ka Ghar' outside his house.
Several Congress leaders, including former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat and Ajay Rai, and party workers were detained this evening from near the Red Fort when they tried to march to Town Hall to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha.
