Mahendra Karma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mahendra Karma
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| Leader of the Opposition, Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly | |
| In office December 2003 – December 2008 |
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| Minister of Industry and Commerce, Government of Chhattisgarh | |
| In office November 2000 – December 2003 |
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| Member of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 1998–2008 |
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| Preceded by | Nandaram Sori |
| Succeeded by | Bhima Mandavi |
| Constituency | Dantewada |
| Member of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 1980–1985 |
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| Preceded by | Sukuldhar Bhawani |
| Succeeded by | Lakshman Karma |
| Constituency | Dantewada |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 August 1950 Dantewada, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Died | 25 May 2013 (aged 62) Sukma, Chhattisgarh, India |
| Residences | Farsapal, Dantewada |
| Education | Graduate |
| Alma mater | Danteshwari College, Jagdalpur. |
Mahendra Karma (born August 5, 1950 – died May 25, 2013) was an important political leader from Chhattisgarh, India. He was a member of the Indian National Congress party. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the state's assembly.
In 2005, he helped start the Salwa Judum movement. This movement was against a group called the Naxalites, who are Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh. Mahendra Karma also worked as the Minister of Industry and Commerce from 2000 to 2004. He was sadly killed by Naxalites on May 25, 2013. This happened during an attack while he was returning from a political meeting.
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Early Life and Family Background
Mahendra Karma was a tribal leader from the Bastar region. He was born on August 5, 1950, in the Dantewada district. His father, Daraboda Karma, was also a strong leader in the Bastar area.
Mahendra Karma finished his higher secondary education in 1969. He then graduated from Danteshwary College in 1975. His older brother, Lakshman Karma, was also a Member of Parliament. Sadly, the Naxalites had killed his brother Podiyaram and about 20 other relatives. His son, Chavindra Karma, was also a local leader.
Mahendra Karma's Political Journey
Mahendra Karma began his political career with the Communist Party of India (CPI). He won the 1980 elections as a CPI candidate. Later, he joined the Indian National Congress party. He became the first president of the Zila Panchayat (a local council) in the Bastar region.
In 1996, Karma was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bastar. He ran as an independent candidate that time. After this, he rejoined the Congress party. He was elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly from Dantewada. He served as a minister in the government of Madhya Pradesh before Chhattisgarh became a separate state.
When Chhattisgarh was formed in 2000, he became the Minister of Industry and Commerce. In 2003, his party lost the state elections. Mahendra Karma then became the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly. He was known as "Bastar Tiger" because he took a strong stand against the Maoist rebels in the region.
Efforts Against Naxalites
Mahendra Karma was a key figure in the fight against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh. In 1991, he started a movement called Jan Jagran Abhiyan. This movement was mainly made up of local business people.
Because of his strong actions against the Maoists, Mahendra Karma was a major target for them. He had very high security to protect him from threats.
Death of Mahendra Karma
On May 25, 2013, Mahendra Karma was killed during a Maoist attack in Darbha. Several other political leaders also died in this attack. They were returning from a political rally when the attack happened.
Two days later, the Naxalites said they were responsible for the attack. They stated that it was punishment for Mahendra Karma's role in the Salwa Judum movement.
In his honor, Bastar Vishwavidyalaya, a university, was renamed Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya. This was done to remember his important contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Mahendra Karma para niños
- List of assassinated Indian politicians
