PERSONAL INFORMATION
Profession(s): Politician, Former Journalist
Famous for: Being the first Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh
Date of Birth: 9 October 1962 (Tuesday)
Age (as of 2024): 62 Years
Birthplace: Sangrur, Punjab
Zodiac sign: Libra
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Una, Himachal Pradesh
Religion: Hinduism [2] The Telegraph
Caste: Brahmin [3] The Telegraph
Marriage Date: 8 April 1992
Age: 62 Years
EDUCATION
School: He studied at a school in Una, Himachal Pradesh.
Educational Qualification(s): • M.Sc. in Mathematics • Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertisement [1] HP Vidhan Sabha
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 170 cm in meters – 1.70 m in feet & inches – 5’ 7”
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Dark Brown
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Simmi Agnihotri (professor at the Public Administration Department of Himachal Pradesh University)
Children: Son – None Daughter – Aastha Agnihotri (Social Activist)
Parents: Father – Pandit Omkar Chand Sharma (politician) (died on 28 March 2016) Mother – Name Not Known
Siblings: Brother – Rakesh Agnihotri (elder; doctor) Sister – He has three sisters.
Wife: Simmi Agnihotri
MONEY FACTOR
Assets/Properties: Movable Assets • Cash Rs. 50,000 • Bank Deposits Rs. 74,88,261 • LIC Policy Rs. 50,00,000 • Motor Vehicle Rs. 3,59,263 • Gold Jewellery Rs. 7, 52,000 Immovable Assets • Agricultural Land Rs. 7, 71, 037 • Residential Buildings Rs. 60,00,000 Note: The given estimates of movable and immovable assets are according to the year 2022. It excludes the assets owned by his wife and dependents (minor). [5] MyNeta
Net Worth (approx.): As of 2022, Mukesh’s net worth is estimated to be Rs. 1,54,20,561. Note: It excludes the net worth of his wife and dependents (minors). [6] MyNeta
OTHER INFORMATION
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Political Journey: • Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) • Elected to the Legislative Assembly from Santokhgarh Constituency (2003) • Won the Legislative Assembly elections from Santokhgarh Constituency for the second time (2007) • Re-elected to the Haroli Assembly Seat (erstwhile Santokhgarh Constituency) for the third time (2012) • Won the Legislative Assembly Elections from Haroli Constituency (2017) • Elected to the fourteenth Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh from the Haroli Constituency (2022) • Appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh (December 2022)
Address (Permanent): Astha Kunj, Village & P.O. Gondpur Jaichand, Tehsil Haroli, District Una, Himachal Pradesh
Hobbies: Writing, Reading, Listening to Music, Playing Badminton
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mukesh Agnihotri, an influential Indian politician and former journalist, proudly represents the Indian National Congress. His political journey reached a significant milestone on December 11, 2022, when he was appointed as the first Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Raised in a small village in Una, Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh’s roots are deeply ingrained in the community that shaped his values. His father, Pandit Omkar Chand Sharma, played a vital role in local governance as the Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Agro Packaging, instilling in Mukesh a sense of public service from an early age.
After completing a post-graduation diploma, Mukesh ventured into journalism, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated news correspondent. His passion for reporting led him to become involved in several press clubs and committees, including the Press Accreditation Committee and the State Press Advisory Committee. His leadership skills shone through as he served as the General Secretary of the Press Club in Shimla and held positions within the Congress’ media cell. It was during his time in Delhi that Mukesh formed a close association with Virbhadra Singh, the former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to enter the political arena.
Mukesh’s electoral journey has been remarkable, winning the Legislative Assembly elections from the Haroli Constituency for five consecutive terms between 2003 and 2022. His initial term saw him take on the role of Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Chairman of the Housing Board in Singh’s government, and after a delimitation process in 2008, the Santokhgarh Constituency was renamed as Haroli. During his third term, he was appointed as Industry Minister, where he also managed additional portfolios related to Labor & Employment, Parliamentary Affairs, and Information & Public Relations. Mukesh was committed to improving the living standards for the underprivileged and ensuring quality education for children, demonstrating his dedication to social welfare.
Despite winning the 2017 elections with a significant margin, Mukesh’s party lost to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which led to his appointment as the Leader of the Opposition in 2018. He adeptly addressed minority rights and led a campaign against the ruling Jairam government. A notable incident occurred when the government was unable to provide him with a house, leading to a controversy after he declined an offered flat, underscoring his principled stance. As a key campaigner in the 2022 Legislative Assembly elections, Mukesh rallied support for the Congress, ultimately securing re-election from Haroli, which positioned him to assume the deputy chief ministerial role. His oath-taking ceremony on December 11 was attended by prominent Congress leaders, reflecting his importance in the party’s hierarchy.
Following his appointment, Mukesh addressed the media with a clear vision for his term, emphasizing the urgency to fulfill campaign promises, including restoring the Old Pension Scheme. His leadership and commitment to the party’s objectives have been unwavering, as he aims to address the needs of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Beyond his political endeavors, Mukesh Agnihotri cherishes moments with his family, enjoying singing and playing the harmonica while maintaining a strong connection to his spirituality through regular visits to temples and religious sites. His deep bond with Virbhadra Singh and the Singh family further exemplifies his dedication to public service and the values that guide him in his political career.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.