A. Raja

A still of the Union Minister for Environment & Forests, Shri A. Raja during a meeting of Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves, in New Delhi on May 26, 2005

A. Raja is an Indian politician from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which is a major political party in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. He has been a significant figure in Indian politics, particularly known for his roles in the telecommunications sector and his involvement in the 2G spectrum case.

Early Life and Education

A. Raja was born on May 26, 1963, in Perambalur, Tamil Nadu. He pursued his higher education in law and holds a Bachelor of Law degree. Raja's early life in the rural parts of Tamil Nadu shaped his political views and his commitment to public service.

Political Career

Raja's political career began with his involvement in the student wing of the DMK during his college days. His dedication and work for the party saw him rise through the ranks quickly. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament, from the Perambalur constituency in Tamil Nadu in 1996.

Throughout his political career, A. Raja has held several key positions. He has served as the Union Cabinet Minister for Environment and Forests, and most notably, as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. During his tenure as the Minister of Communications and IT, Raja was instrumental in implementing significant policies aimed at increasing the accessibility and affordability of mobile telephony and internet services in India.

2G Spectrum Case

A. Raja's career, however, has been marred by the 2G spectrum case, one of the biggest political scandals in Indian history. In 2010, he was accused of undercharging mobile telephony companies for frequency allocation licenses, which were used to create 2G subscriptions for cell phones. The alleged scam was believed to have cost the Indian government up to $39 billion in lost revenue. Raja was arrested in 2011 in connection with the case but was acquitted of all charges in December 2017 by a special court, which stated that the prosecution had failed to prove any of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Personal Life

A. Raja is married and has a family. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing on his political career and public service.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversy surrounding the 2G spectrum case, A. Raja's contributions to the telecommunications sector in India cannot be overlooked. His policies and initiatives helped millions of Indians gain access to affordable mobile and internet services, contributing significantly to the country's digital revolution.