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{{short description|Indian politician}}
{{short description|Indian politician (born 1971)}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Kiren Rijiju
| name                = Kiren Rijiju
| honorific-suffix    =  
| honorific-suffix    =  
| image              = KirenRijiju.jpg
| image              = Kiren Rijiju with Modi (cropped).jpg
| image_size          =  
| caption            = Official portrait, 2021
| office              = [[Minister of Law and Justice]]
| image_size          = 220px
| primeminister      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| office1            = [[Third Modi ministry|Union Cabinet Minister]]
| termstart          = 7 July 2021
| term_start1        = {{Start date|2024|06|10|df=yes}}
| termend            =
| termend1            =  
| predecessor        = [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]]
| successor          =  
| office1            = [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports]]
| primeminister1      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| primeminister1      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor1        = [[Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]
| predecessor1        = *[[Pralhad Joshi]]
| term_start1        = 30 May 2019
*[[Smriti Irani]]
| term_end1          = 7 July 2021
| successor1          =  
| successor1         = [[Anurag Thakur]] as Cabinet Minister
| 1blankname1        = Ministry & Departments
| office2            = [[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Minister of State for Minority Affairs]]
| 1namedata1         = *[[Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (India)|Parliamentary Affairs]]
| term_start2        = 30 May 2019
*[[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Minority Affairs]]
| term_end2          = 7 July 2021
| minister1          =  
| office2            = [[Ministry of Food Processing Industries|Union Minister of Food Processing Industries]]
| primeminister2      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| primeminister2      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| minister2          = [[Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi]]
| term_start2        = {{Start date|2024|03|20|df=yes}}
| predecessor2        = [[Virendra Kumar]]
| termend2            = {{End date|2024|06|10|df=yes}}
| successor2          = [[John Barla]]
| predecessor2        = [[Pashupati Kumar Paras]]
| office3            = [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of State for Home Affairs]]
| successor2          = [[Chirag Paswan]]
| office3            = [[Ministry of Earth Sciences|Union Minister of Earth Sciences]]
| primeminister3      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| primeminister3      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| minister3           = [[Rajnath Singh]]
| term_start3        = {{Start date|2023|05|18|df=yes}}
| predecessor3       = [[R. P. N. Singh]]
| termend3            = {{End date|2024|06|10|df=yes}}
| successor3         = [[Nityanand Rai]], [[G. Kishan Reddy]]
| predecessor3        = [[Jitendra Singh (BJP politician)|Jitendra Singh]]
| term_start3         = 26 May 2014
| successor3          = [[Jitendra Singh Rana|Jitendra Singh]]
| term_end3           = 30 May 2019 <br /> Served along with [[Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary|H. P. Chaudhary]] (2014-16) and [[Hansraj Gangaram Ahir|H. G. Ahir]] (2016-19)
| office4            = 34th [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Union Minister of Law and Justice]]
| office4             = [[Member of parliament (India)|Member of Parliament]], [[Lok Sabha]]
| primeminister4      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| term_start4         = 16 May 2014
| president4 = [[Ramnath Kovind]]<br/>[[Droupadi Murmu]]| term_start4        = {{Start date|2021|07|07|df=yes}}
| predecessor4       = [[Takam Sanjoy]]
| termend4            = {{End date|2023|05|18|df=yes}}
| constituency4       = [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal West]]
| predecessor4        = [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]]
| term_start5         = 2004
| successor4          = [[Arjun Ram Meghwal]]
| term_end5          = 2009
| office5            = [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports]]
| predecessor5       = [[Jarbom Gamlin]]
| primeminister5      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| successor5          = [[Takam Sanjoy]]
| predecessor5        = [[Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]
| constituency5       = [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal West]]
| term_start5        = 30 May 2019
| birth_date          = {{Birth-date and age|19 November 1971}}<ref name="youth leader">{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiren-rijiju-a-youth-leader-from-arunachal-pradesh/474566-80.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085422/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiren-rijiju-a-youth-leader-from-arunachal-pradesh/474566-80.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 May 2014 | title=Kiren Rijiju, a youth leader from Arunachal Pradesh | publisher=Ibn Live | date=26 May 2014 <!-- at 11:38&nbsp;pm IST -->  | access-date=8 June 2014 | agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>
| term_end5          = 7 July 2021
| birth_place        = Nafra, [[West Kameng district]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[India]]
| successor5          = [[Anurag Thakur]]
| residence          = 9, Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi – 110011
| office6            = [[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs]]
| term_start6        = 30 May 2019
| term_end6          = 7 July 2021
| minister6          = [[Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi]]
| predecessor6        = [[Virendra Kumar Khatik|Virendra Kumar]]
| successor6          = [[John Barla]]
| office7            = [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Union Minister of State for Home Affairs]]
| minister7           = [[Rajnath Singh]]
| predecessor7       = [[R. P. N. Singh]]
| successor7         = *[[Nityanand Rai]]
*[[G. Kishan Reddy]]
| term_start7         = 26 May 2014
| term_end7           = 30 May 2019
| alongside7          = [[Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary|H. P. Chaudhary]] (2014–2016) and [[Hansraj Gangaram Ahir|H. G. Ahir]] (2016–2019)
| office8             = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]], [[Lok Sabha]]
| term_start8         = {{Start date|2014|05|16|df=yes}}
| predecessor8       = [[Takam Sanjoy]]
| constituency8       = [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|West Arunachal Pradesh]]
| term_start9         = {{Start date|2004|05|22|df=yes}}
| predecessor9       = [[Jarbom Gamlin]]
| constituency9       = [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|West Arunachal Pradesh]]
| term_end9          = {{End date|2009|05|17|df=yes}}
| successor9          = [[Takam Sanjoy]]
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1971|11|19|df=yes}}<ref name="youth leader">{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiren-rijiju-a-youth-leader-from-arunachal-pradesh/474566-80.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085422/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiren-rijiju-a-youth-leader-from-arunachal-pradesh/474566-80.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 May 2014 | title=Kiren Rijiju, a youth leader from Arunachal Pradesh | publisher=Ibn Live | date=26 May 2014 <!-- at 11:38&nbsp;pm IST -->  | access-date=8 June 2014 | agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[West Kameng district|Nafra]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], India
| residence          = [[New Delhi|9, Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi]]
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| spouse              = Joram Rina Rijiju
| spouse              = {{marriage|Joram Rina Rijiju|2004}}
| alma_mater          = [[Delhi University]]
| alma_mater          = [[Delhi University]]
| occupation          = [[Politician]]
| website            = {{URL|sites.google.com/site/kirenrijiju/}}
| website            = {{URL|sites.google.com/site/kirenrijiju/}}
| education          = B.A., LL.B<ref name="Factsheet">{{cite web | url=http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/kiren-rijiju.html | title=KIREN RIJIJU BIOGRAPHY AND 2014 ELECTION RESULT | publisher=Compare Infobase Limited | access-date=8 June 2014}}</ref>
| education          = B.A., LL.B<ref name="Factsheet">{{cite web | url=http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/kiren-rijiju.html | title=Kiren Rijiju Biography and 2014 Election Result | publisher=Compare Infobase Limited | access-date=8 June 2014 | archive-date=26 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626030246/http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/kiren-rijiju.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Kiren Rijiju''' is an Indian politician from [[Arunachal Pradesh]] who serves as the [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Cabinet Minister of Law and Justice]] in the Government of India.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cabinet-reshuffle-meet-some-of-the-faces-from-pm-modis-new-team/articleshow/84203141.cms | title=Cabinet Reshuffle: The full list of Modi's new ministers and what they got | newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] | date=8 July 2021 | accessdate=8 July 2021}}</ref>
'''Kiren Rijiju''' (born 19 November 1971) is an Indian politician who is serving as the 28th [[Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (India)|Minister of Parliamentary Affairs]] and 7th [[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Minister of Minority Affairs]] since 2024. He was the [[Ministry of Earth Sciences|Cabinet Minister of Earth Sciences]] and [[Ministry of Food Processing Industries|Food Processing Industries]] in the [[Government of India]] from 2023 to June 2024 and a [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] in the [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Arunachal West Lok Sabha constituency|Arunachal West]] since 2014 and from 2004 to 2009. Earlier, he served as the [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of State for Home Affairs]] from 2014 to 2019, Minister of State for Minority Affairs from 2019 to 2021, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs from 2019 to 2021 and the [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Law minister]] from 2021 to 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saigal |first1=Sonam |title=As Law Minister, Kiren Rijiju took potshots at Indian judiciary |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/as-law-minister-kiren-rijiju-took-potshots-at-indian-judiciary/article66866361.ece |access-date=20 May 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=18 May 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520135656/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/as-law-minister-kiren-rijiju-took-potshots-at-indian-judiciary/article66866361.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Rijiju was born on 19 November 1971 at Nakhu near Nafra in [[West Kameng district]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] in India. He is the son of Rinchin Kharu and Chirai Rijiju. His father was the first pro-tem speaker of Arunachal Pradesh who gave oath to the Members of the First State Legislative Assembly.<ref name="panorama" />
Rijiju was born on 19 November 1971 to a [[Buddhist]] family in the Nakhu village near the Nafra town in the [[West Kameng district]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]]. His father's name is Rinchin Kharu and his mother's name is Chirai Rijiju. His father was the first pro-tempore speaker of the first [[Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly]].<ref name="panorama">{{cite web | url=http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php/component/content/article/27-2009/september31/523-the-saffron-man-now-playing-the-jai-ho-tune | title=The saffron man, now playing the Jai Ho tune | publisher=eastern panorama | access-date=8 June 2014 | author=C. B. Namchoom | archive-date=23 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923232627/http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php/component/content/article/27-2009/september31/523-the-saffron-man-now-playing-the-jai-ho-tune | url-status=live }}</ref>


==Education==
==Education==
Rijiju did his graduation degree (B.A.) from [[Hansraj College]], [[University of Delhi]]. Further, in 1998, he did his graduate degree in law (L.L.B) from [[Campus Law Centre]], [[Faculty of Law, University of Delhi]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-appointments-impasse-virtual-courts-new-law-minister-kiren-rijiju-signs-in-7395908/ | title=Amid appointments impasse, virtual courts, new Law Minister Kiren Rijiju signs in | publisher=Indian Express | date=8 July 2021 | accessdate=8 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://clc.du.ac.in/ | title=Campus Law Centre DU | publisher=DU | date=8 July 2021 | accessdate=8 July 2021}}</ref>
Rijiju did his graduation degree (B.A.) from [[Hansraj College]], [[Delhi University|University of Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mani |first=Gayathri |date=24 September 2017 |title=Wall of fame to inspire students in Delhi's Hansraj College |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/Sep/24/wall-of-fame-to-inspire-students-in-delhis-hansraj-college-1661736.html |access-date=25 February 2025 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023225127/http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/sep/24/wall-of-fame-to-inspire-students-in-delhis-hansraj-college-1661736.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Further, in 1998, he did his graduate degree in law (LL.B) from [[Campus Law Centre]], [[Faculty of Law, University of Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-appointments-impasse-virtual-courts-new-law-minister-kiren-rijiju-signs-in-7395908/ | title=Amid appointments impasse, virtual courts, new Law Minister Kiren Rijiju signs in | publisher=Indian Express | date=8 July 2021 | accessdate=8 July 2021 | archive-date=8 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708211317/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-appointments-impasse-virtual-courts-new-law-minister-kiren-rijiju-signs-in-7395908/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://clc.du.ac.in/ | title=Campus Law Centre DU | publisher=DU | date=8 July 2021 | accessdate=8 July 2021}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==
Kiren Rijiju is considered the face of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in [[North East India]]. He served as a Member of Khadi and Village Industries Commission from 2000 to 2005 at the very young age of 29. Rijiju was appointed as India's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2019. He occasionally writes articles on security and socio-economic issues.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bjp-s-rijiju-defeats-sitting-mp-sanjoy-in-arunachal-west-seat-114051700198_1.html |title=BJP's Rijiju defeats sitting MP Sanjoy in Arunachal West seat |work= Business Standard |agency= Press Trust of India |date= 17 May 2014 |access-date=19 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS021.htm|title=Constituencywise-All Candidates|publisher=ECI|access-date=23 May 2014}}</ref>
[[File:Shri Kiren Rijiju assuming charge as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs.jpg|thumb|Rijiju assuming charge as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs]]
Kiren Rijiju is a four time MP in [[Lok Sabha]] from Arunachal Pradesh (2004, 2014, 2019
and 2024). He has served as minister of state (MoS) (independent charge) youth affairs and sports, MoS minority affairs, MoS home affairs, and [[Minister of Law and Justice]]. His tenure as Law Minister was marked by controversies. On 18 May 2023, he was assigned the portfolio of [[Ministry of Earth Sciences]].<ref name="indian-express-summary">{{cite news |title=Kiren Rijiju no longer law minister: A look at his political career, controversies |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/kiren-rijiju-law-ministry-political-career-controversies-8615705/ |access-date=20 May 2023 |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=18 May 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520141026/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/kiren-rijiju-law-ministry-political-career-controversies-8615705/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 10 June 2024, he was appointed the Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs in the [[Government of India]]. He is one of the three Buddhist MPs in the [[18th Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dhammabharat.com/buddhist-mps-in-18th-loksabha/ | title=Buddhist MPS in 18th Lok Sabha (2024-2029) | date=2 July 2024 | access-date=15 July 2024 | archive-date=15 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715161810/https://www.dhammabharat.com/buddhist-mps-in-18th-loksabha/ | url-status=live }}</ref>


In the [[2004 Indian general election|2004 general election]], he was elected as a member of the 14th Lok Sabha, representing the constituency of Arunachal West in the Indian Parliament, which is the fourth largest Parliamentary constituency (in terms of Area) in India. He was one of the most articulate and outspoken Parliamentarians in the 14th Lok Sabha.{{cn|date=July 2021}} Rijiju entered the [[Lok Sabha]] for the second time in 2014 from the [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal (West)]] constituency of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] in India.<ref name="MoS">{{cite web | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-swearing-in-live-kiren-rijiju/1/363759.html | title=Kiren Rijiju: MoS of Home Affairs | publisher=IndiaToday.in | date=26 May 2014 | access-date=8 June 2014 | place=New Delhi}}</ref>
==Controversies==
In 2022, Kiren called the collegium system of appointment of judges in Indian judicial system as "opaque", implying that appointments are done on personal associations rather than merit. He also advocated for government's role in the appointment of judges, writing to the [[Chief Justice of India]] [[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud|DY Chandrachud]]. His comments on judiciary and collegium system were widely criticised by the legal community and the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]].<ref name="indian-express-summary" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Supreme Court Objects to Kiren Rijiju's Remarks on Collegium System |url=https://thewire.in/law/supreme-court-kiren-rijiju-collegium-system |access-date=20 May 2023 |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] |date=28 November 2022 |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520143249/https://thewire.in/law/supreme-court-kiren-rijiju-collegium-system |url-status=live }}</ref>


During 2004-09, Rijiju was placed among the top 5 opposition MPs reviewed by their peers in the treasury bench based on high benchmark in debates, discussions, and decorum and was placed among stalwarts like [[L.K. Advani]]. He was also chosen as the best young MP by many{{which|date=July 2021}} national news agencies and magazines.<ref name="panorama">{{cite web | url=http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php/component/content/article/27-2009/september31/523-the-saffron-man-now-playing-the-jai-ho-tune | title=The saffron man, now playing the Jai Ho tune | publisher=eastern panorama | access-date=8 June 2014 | author=C. B. Namchoom}}</ref>
In March 2023, Kiren accused some retired judges to be a part of an "Anti-India gang".<ref>{{cite news |title=Some Retired Judges Are Part of 'Anti-India Gang', Says Law Minister Kiren Rijiju |url=https://thewire.in/law/kiren-rijiju-judges-rahul-gandhi-anti-india-gang |access-date=20 May 2023 |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] |date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520144324/https://thewire.in/law/kiren-rijiju-judges-rahul-gandhi-anti-india-gang |url-status=live }}</ref> A group of former civil servants from the Constitutional Conduct Group responded by claiming Rijiju's comments a sign of "authoritarianism".<ref>{{cite news |title=Rijiju's 'Anti-India' Comments a Sign of 'Authoritarianism', Say Former Civil Servants |url=https://thewire.in/rights/rijijus-anti-india-comments-a-sign-of-authoritarianism-say-former-civil-servants |access-date=20 May 2023 |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] |date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520144323/https://thewire.in/rights/rijijus-anti-india-comments-a-sign-of-authoritarianism-say-former-civil-servants |url-status=live }}</ref>


In the [[2009 Indian general election|2009 general election]], Rijiju was defeated by a very thin margin of 1314 votes by the Congress candidate under a very controversial circumstances which witnessed massive violence amidst allegation of widespread polling booth capturing by Indian National Congress Party.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/sitting-arunachal-mp-sanjoy-exposes-dishonesty-of-congress-turned-bjp-candidate-rijiju-114040200444_1.html | title=Sitting Arunachal MP Sanjoy exposes dishonesty of Congress-turned BJP candidate Rijiju| newspaper=Business Standard India| date=2 April 2014}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
 
He married Joram Rina Rijiju in 2004.<ref name="lok">{{cite web|title=Fourteenth Lok Sabha: Members Bioprofile|url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/members/former_Biography.aspx?mpsno=3972|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529071136/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/members/former_Biography.aspx?mpsno=3972|archive-date=29 May 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|publisher=Lok Sabha}}</ref> She is a graduate from [[Lady Shri Ram College]] for Women, New Delhi and is a gold medalist from [[Arunachal University]]. She is an Associate Professor teaching history at Dera Natung Government College, [[Itanagar]] in Arunachal Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Kiren Rijiju Biography: Education, Family, Net Worth, Offices |url=https://indiapresentinfo.in/2024/09/who-is-kiren-rijiju-biography-wife.html |access-date=14 December 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=14 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214182454/https://indiapresentinfo.in/2024/09/who-is-kiren-rijiju-biography-wife.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the [[2014 Indian general election|2014 general election]], Rijiju was again elected as a Member of Parliament in the [[16th Lok Sabha]], representing the Arunachal West constituency. Rijiju defeated [[Takam Sanjoy]] of the [[Indian National Congress]] by a margin of 43,738 votes.<ref name="eci">{{cite web | url=http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS021.htm| title=GENERAL ELECTION TO LOK SABHA TRENDS & RESULT 2014 | publisher=ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA | date=17 May 2014 | access-date=8 June 2014}}</ref> Immediately he found a place in [[Narendra Modi]]'s first best of 45 Council of Minister's list as Minister of State for Home.<ref name="Modi's Team">{{cite web | url=http://www.archakmanews.com/entries/cities/kiren-rijiju-one-of-the-45-ministers-in-modi-s-team | title=Kiren Rijiju one of the 45 ministers in Modi's Team | publisher=Arunachal Chakma News | date=26 May 2014 | access-date=8 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/declined-arunachal-pradesh-chief-ministers-post-kiren-rijiju/articleshow/51256041.cms|title=Rijiju offered CM position|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
 
In 2017 made a controversial statement and said that "Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported". He also stated that "India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rohingyas-to-be-deported-dont-preach-india-on-refugees-kiren-rijiju/articleshow/60378767.cms|title=Rohingyas to be deported, don't preach India on refugees: Kiren Rijiju - The Economic Times|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=2017-09-28|access-date=2017-09-29|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928220058/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rohingyas-to-be-deported-dont-preach-india-on-refugees-kiren-rijiju/articleshow/60378767.cms|archive-date=28 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingyas-to-be-deported-dont-preach-india-on-refugees-says-kiren-rijiju-4830199/|title='Rohingyas to be deported, don't preach India on refugees', says Kiren Rijiju {{!}} The Indian Express|date=2017-09-29|access-date=2017-09-29|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929070901/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingyas-to-be-deported-dont-preach-india-on-refugees-says-kiren-rijiju-4830199/|archive-date=29 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tender public apology resign: APYB to Rijiju|url=http://arunachalobserver.org/2017/02/16/tender-public-apology-resign-apyb-to-rijiju/|date=16 February 2017|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=Arunachal Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kiren Rijiju does it again, says Hindu population reducing as they never convert|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hindu-population-reducing-because-they-never-convert-kiren-rijiju/story-GR6FiOAJlCeH3tbrSU8kxJ.html|date=13 February 2017|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|first=Kumar|last=Uttam}}</ref>
 
Kiren Rijiju again got elected in 2019 by highest ever record margin of votes and became Minister of State (Independent Charge) for [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Youth Affairs and Sports]] and Minister of State for [[Ministry of Minority Affairs.<ref>{{citation |title=PM Modi allocates portfolios. Full list of new ministers |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/pm-modi-allocates-portfolios-full-list-of-new-ministers-1559288502067.html |work=[[Live Mint]] |date=31 May 2019 }}</ref>
 
In July 2021, he became [[Minister of Law and Justice|Cabinet Minister of Law and Justice]] in [[Second Modi ministry]] when cabinet overhaul happened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/modi-cabinet-rejig-full-list-of-new-ministers-1825111-2021-07-07|title=Modi cabinet rejig: Full list of new ministers|website=India Today|access-date=2021-07-08}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
==See also==
His wife is Joram Rina Rijiju; they were married in 2004.<ref name="lok">{{cite web|title=Fourteenth Lok Sabha: Members Bioprofile|url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/members/former_Biography.aspx?mpsno=3972|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529071136/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/members/former_Biography.aspx?mpsno=3972|archive-date=29 May 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|publisher=Lok Sabha}}</ref> She is a graduate from [[Lady Shri Ram College]] for Women, New Delhi and is a gold medalist from [[Arunachal University]]. She is an Associate Professor teaching history at [[Dera Natung College]], [[Itanagar]] in Arunachal Pradesh.{{cn|date=July 2021}}
* [[Third Modi ministry]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [http://kirenrijiju.googlepages.com Website of Kiren Rijiju]
* {{Twitter}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071219123049/http://164.100.24.208/ls/lsmember/biodata.asp?mpsno=3972 Official biographical sketch in Parliament of India website]


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{{s-bef|before=[[Jarbom Gamlin]]}}
{{Succession box
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal West]] |years=2004–2009}}
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Arunachal West Lok Sabha constituency|Arunachal West]]
{{s-aft|after=[[Takam Sanjoy]]}}
| years = 22 May 2004 – 17 May 2009
|-
| before = [[Jarbom Gamlin]]
{{s-bef|before=[[Takam Sanjoy]]}}
| after = [[Takam Sanjoy]]
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal West]] |years=2014–present}}
}}
{{s-bef
| before = Takam Sanjoy
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{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for Arunachal West
| years = 16 May 2014 – Present
}}
{{s-inc}}
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|-
{{s-off}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]<br />''Minister of State with<br />Independent charge''}}
{{Succession box
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports]]<br />''Minister of State with<br />Independent charge''|years=2019–2021 }}
| title = [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)#Ministers of state|Minister of State for Home Affairs]]
{{s-aft|after=[[Anurag Thakur]]}}
| years = 26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
|-
| with = [[Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary]]<br>9 November 2014 – 5 July 2016
{{s-bef|before=[[Ravi Shankar Prasad]]}}
| with2 = [[Hansraj Gangaram Ahir]]<br>5 July 2016 – 30 May 2019
{{s-ttl|title=[[Minister of Law and Justice]]|years=2021–present}}
| before = [[Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh|R. P. N. Singh]]
| after = [[G. Kishan Reddy]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = [[Ministry of Minority Affairs#Ministers of State|Minister of State for Minority Affairs]]
| years = 30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021
| before = [[Virendra Kumar Khatik]]
| after = [[John Barla]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports]]<br>Minister of State (Independent Charge)
| years = 30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021
| before = [[Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]<br>Minister of State (Independent Charge)
| after = [[Anurag Singh Thakur]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = [[Minister of Law and Justice]]
| years = 7 July 2021 – 18 May 2023
| before = [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]]
| after = [[Arjun Ram Meghwal]]<br>Minister of State (Independent Charge)
}}
{{Succession box
| title = [[Ministry of Earth Sciences|Minister of Earth Sciences]]
| years = 18 May 2023 – 10 June 2024
| before = [[Jitendra Singh Rana|Jitendra Singh]]<br>Minister of State (Independent Charge)
| after = Jitendra Singh<br>Minister of State (Independent Charge)
}}
{{Succession box
| title = [[Ministry of Food Processing Industries|Minister of Food Processing Industries]]
| years = 20 March 2024 – 10 June 2024
| before = [[Pashupati Kumar Paras]]
| after = [[Chirag Paswan]]
}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Pralhad Joshi]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (India)|Minister of Parliamentary Affairs]]
| years = 10 June 2024 – Present
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Smriti Irani]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Minister of Minority Affairs]]
| years = 10 June 2024 – Present
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-inc}}
|-
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


==External links==
{{16th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states}}
* [http://kirenrijiju.googlepages.com Website of Kiren Rijiju]
{{First Modi ministry}}
* {{Twitter}}
{{17th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071219123049/http://164.100.24.208/ls/lsmember/biodata.asp?mpsno=3972 Official biographical sketch in Parliament of India website]
{{Second Modi ministry}}
 
{{Cabinet of Narendra Modi}}
{{Second Narendra Modi Cabinet}}
{{Home Ministry (India)}}
{{Home Ministry (India)}}
{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}
{{18th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states}}
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{{Third Modi ministry}}


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[[Category:India MPs 2024–2029]]
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Latest revision as of 06:39, 25 March 2026


Kiren Rijiju
Official portrait, 2021
Union Cabinet Minister
Assumed office
10 June 2024 (2024-06-10)
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Ministry & Departments
Preceded by
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries
In office
20 March 2024 (2024-03-20) – 10 June 2024 (2024-06-10)
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byPashupati Kumar Paras
Succeeded byChirag Paswan
Union Minister of Earth Sciences
In office
18 May 2023 (2023-05-18) – 10 June 2024 (2024-06-10)
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byJitendra Singh
Succeeded byJitendra Singh
34th Union Minister of Law and Justice
In office
7 July 2021 (2021-07-07) – 18 May 2023 (2023-05-18)
PresidentRamnath Kovind
Droupadi Murmu
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byRavi Shankar Prasad
Succeeded byArjun Ram Meghwal
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
In office
30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byCol. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Succeeded byAnurag Thakur
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs
In office
30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021
MinisterMukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Preceded byVirendra Kumar
Succeeded byJohn Barla
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs
In office
26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
Serving with H. P. Chaudhary (2014–2016) and H. G. Ahir (2016–2019)
MinisterRajnath Singh
Preceded byR. P. N. Singh
Succeeded by
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
16 May 2014 (2014-05-16)
Preceded byTakam Sanjoy
ConstituencyWest Arunachal Pradesh
In office
22 May 2004 (2004-05-22) – 17 May 2009 (2009-05-17)
Preceded byJarbom Gamlin
Succeeded byTakam Sanjoy
ConstituencyWest Arunachal Pradesh
Personal details
Born (1971-11-19) 19 November 1971 (age 54)[1]
Nafra, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)
Joram Rina Rijiju
(
m. 2004)
Residence9, Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi
EducationB.A., LL.B[2]
Alma materDelhi University
OccupationPolitician
Websitesites.google.com/site/kirenrijiju/

Kiren Rijiju (born 19 November 1971) is an Indian politician who is serving as the 28th Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and 7th Minister of Minority Affairs since 2024. He was the Cabinet Minister of Earth Sciences and Food Processing Industries in the Government of India from 2023 to June 2024 and a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Arunachal West since 2014 and from 2004 to 2009. Earlier, he served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs from 2014 to 2019, Minister of State for Minority Affairs from 2019 to 2021, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs from 2019 to 2021 and the Law minister from 2021 to 2023.[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Rijiju was born on 19 November 1971 to a Buddhist family in the Nakhu village near the Nafra town in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. His father's name is Rinchin Kharu and his mother's name is Chirai Rijiju. His father was the first pro-tempore speaker of the first Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.[4]

Education[edit | edit source]

Rijiju did his graduation degree (B.A.) from Hansraj College, University of Delhi.[5] Further, in 1998, he did his graduate degree in law (LL.B) from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.[6][7]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Rijiju assuming charge as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs

Kiren Rijiju is a four time MP in Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh (2004, 2014, 2019 and 2024). He has served as minister of state (MoS) (independent charge) youth affairs and sports, MoS minority affairs, MoS home affairs, and Minister of Law and Justice. His tenure as Law Minister was marked by controversies. On 18 May 2023, he was assigned the portfolio of Ministry of Earth Sciences.[8] On 10 June 2024, he was appointed the Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs in the Government of India. He is one of the three Buddhist MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha.[9]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In 2022, Kiren called the collegium system of appointment of judges in Indian judicial system as "opaque", implying that appointments are done on personal associations rather than merit. He also advocated for government's role in the appointment of judges, writing to the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. His comments on judiciary and collegium system were widely criticised by the legal community and the Supreme Court.[8][10]

In March 2023, Kiren accused some retired judges to be a part of an "Anti-India gang".[11] A group of former civil servants from the Constitutional Conduct Group responded by claiming Rijiju's comments a sign of "authoritarianism".[12]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

He married Joram Rina Rijiju in 2004.[13] She is a graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi and is a gold medalist from Arunachal University. She is an Associate Professor teaching history at Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.[14]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Kiren Rijiju, a youth leader from Arunachal Pradesh". Ibn Live. Press Trust of India. 26 May 2014. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  2. ↑ "Kiren Rijiju Biography and 2014 Election Result". Compare Infobase Limited. Archived from the original on 26 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  3. ↑ Saigal, Sonam (18 May 2023). "As Law Minister, Kiren Rijiju took potshots at Indian judiciary". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  4. ↑ C. B. Namchoom. "The saffron man, now playing the Jai Ho tune". eastern panorama. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  5. ↑ Mani, Gayathri (24 September 2017). "Wall of fame to inspire students in Delhi's Hansraj College". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 October 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  6. ↑ "Amid appointments impasse, virtual courts, new Law Minister Kiren Rijiju signs in". Indian Express. 8 July 2021. Archived from the original on 8 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Campus Law Centre DU". DU. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Kiren Rijiju no longer law minister: A look at his political career, controversies". Indian Express. 18 May 2023. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  9. ↑ "Buddhist MPS in 18th Lok Sabha (2024-2029)". 2 July 2024. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  10. ↑ "Supreme Court Objects to Kiren Rijiju's Remarks on Collegium System". The Wire. 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Some Retired Judges Are Part of 'Anti-India Gang', Says Law Minister Kiren Rijiju". The Wire. 18 March 2023. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  12. ↑ "Rijiju's 'Anti-India' Comments a Sign of 'Authoritarianism', Say Former Civil Servants". The Wire. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  13. ↑ "Fourteenth Lok Sabha: Members Bioprofile". Lok Sabha. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  14. ↑ "Kiren Rijiju Biography: Education, Family, Net Worth, Offices". 17 September 2024. Archived from the original on 14 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

Unrecognised parameter
Preceded by
Jarbom Gamlin 		Member of Parliament for Arunachal West
22 May 2004 – 17 May 2009 		Succeeded by
Takam Sanjoy
Preceded by
Takam Sanjoy 		Member of Parliament for Arunachal West
16 May 2014 – Present 		Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
R. P. N. Singh 		Minister of State for Home Affairs
26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
With: Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary
9 November 2014 – 5 July 2016
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
5 July 2016 – 30 May 2019 		Succeeded by
G. Kishan Reddy
Preceded by
Virendra Kumar Khatik 		Minister of State for Minority Affairs
30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021 		Succeeded by
John Barla
Preceded by
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Minister of State (Independent Charge) 		Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021 		Succeeded by
Anurag Singh Thakur
Preceded by
Ravi Shankar Prasad 		Minister of Law and Justice
7 July 2021 – 18 May 2023 		Succeeded by
Arjun Ram Meghwal
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Preceded by
Jitendra Singh
Minister of State (Independent Charge) 		Minister of Earth Sciences
18 May 2023 – 10 June 2024 		Succeeded by
Jitendra Singh
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Preceded by
Pashupati Kumar Paras 		Minister of Food Processing Industries
20 March 2024 – 10 June 2024 		Succeeded by
Chirag Paswan
Preceded by
Pralhad Joshi 		Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
10 June 2024 – Present 		Incumbent
Preceded by
Smriti Irani 		Minister of Minority Affairs
10 June 2024 – Present 		Incumbent

Template:16th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states

Template:17th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states

Template:18th Lok Sabha members from Northeast states Template:Third Modi ministry

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