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{{short description|India businessman}}
{{short description|Indian businessman (born 1969)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
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| image              = Robert Vadra 2019 (face cropped).jpg
| image              = Robert Vadra 2019 (face cropped).jpg
| caption            = Vadra in 2019
| caption            = Vadra in 2019
|birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1969|04|18}}
| image_size        = 200px
| birth_place        = [[Moradabad district|Moradabad]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1969|04|18}}
| birth_name         = Robert Rajendra Vadra
| birth_place        = [[Moradabad district|Moradabad]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India
| spouse            = {{Marriage|[[Priyanka Gandhi]]|18 February 1997}}
| occupation         = [[Businessperson]]
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Priyanka Gandhi]]|18 February 1997}}
| children          = 2
| children          = 2
| nationality        = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| relations          = See [[Nehru–Gandhi family]]
| relations          = See [[Nehru–Gandhi family]]
| occupation        = Businessman
| parents            =
}}
}}
'''Robert Rajendra Vadra''' (born 18 April 1969) is an Indian businessman, entrepreneur and the husband of [[Priyanka Gandhi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/bIyiB4vh8SxBgjy54H1BGP/DLFRobert-Vadra-controversy-A-news-roundup.html|title=DLF-Robert Vadra controversy: A news round-up|last=Malik|first=Aman|date=2012-10-08|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-robert-vadra-not-new-to-controversy/20121008.htm|title=Robert Vadra not new to controversy|website=Rediff|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> He is the son-in-law of [[Sonia Gandhi]] and the brother-in-law of [[Rahul Gandhi]].
 
'''Robert Vadra''' (born 18 April 1969) is an Indian entrepreneur, and the husband of [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad]] [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|MP]] [[Priyanka Gandhi]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/bIyiB4vh8SxBgjy54H1BGP/DLFRobert-Vadra-controversy-A-news-roundup.html|title=DLF-Robert Vadra controversy: A news round-up|last=Malik|first=Aman|date=2012-10-08|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-robert-vadra-not-new-to-controversy/20121008.htm|title=Robert Vadra not new to controversy|website=Rediff|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref>


==Early life and family==
==Early life and family==
Robert Vadra was born to Rajendra and Maureen Vadra on 18 April 1969. His father's family is of Punjabi descent settled in [[Moradabad district]], Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bureau|first=ABP News|date=2019-05-15|title=Priyanka cites husband's root at maiden rally in Punjab; Vadra endorses statement|url=https://news.abplive.com/elections/priyanka-cites-husbands-root-during-maiden-rally-in-punjab-robert-vadra-endorses-statement-989820|access-date=2021-09-08|website=news.abplive.com|language=en}}</ref> His paternal family is originally from [[Sialkot]] in present-day Pakistan. Rajendra's father moved to India at the time of [[partition of India|partition]].<ref>[https://timesofindia.com/india/priyankas-father-in-law-hanged-himself-police-sources/articleshow/4356528.cms Priyanka's father-in-law hanged himself: Police sources]. ''[[Times of India]]''.</ref> His mother Maureen (''née'' McDonagh) is of [[Scottish people|Scottish]] origin. Rajendra was a resident of [[Civil Lines, Moradabad]] and ran a brass and wood handicrafts business.{{cn|date=June 2021}} Vadra has only completed his high school education.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Anand|first1=Geeta|first2=Rajesh|last2=Roy|date=2014-04-18|title=Behind a Real-Estate Empire, Ties to India's Gandhi Dynasty|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304512504579495611787698756.html|access-date=2021-06-06|issn=0099-9660|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
Robert Vadra was born in [[Moradabad]], [[Uttar Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ashraf |first1=Zainab |title=Robert Rajendra Vadra: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia |url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/robert-rajendra-vadra-76836.html |website=www.oneindia.com |language=en}}</ref> to Rajendra Vadra and Maureen on 18 April 1969. His father's family is of Punjabi descent and settled in Moradabad.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-05-15 |title=Priyanka cites husband's root at maiden rally in Punjab; Vadra endorses statement |url=https://news.abplive.com/elections/priyanka-cites-husbands-root-during-maiden-rally-in-punjab-robert-vadra-endorses-statement-989820 |access-date=2021-09-08 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}</ref> His paternal family is originally from [[Sialkot]] in present-day Pakistan. Rajendra's father moved to India at the time of [[partition of India|partition]].<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/priyankas-father-in-law-hanged-himself-police-sources/articleshow/4356528.cms Priyanka's father-in-law hanged himself: Police sources]. ''[[Times of India]]''.</ref>  
 
Robert Vadra's mother, Maureen (''née'' McDonagh), is of [[Anglo-Indian]] origin, with roots stretching back to [[Scotland]]. Rajendra was a resident of [[Civil Lines, Moradabad]], and ran a diamond trading business along with brass and wood handicrafts. Rajendra Vadra has only completed his high school education.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Anand|first1=Geeta|first2=Rajesh|last2=Roy|date=2014-04-18|title=Behind a Real-Estate Empire, Ties to India's Gandhi Dynasty|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304512504579495611787698756.html|access-date=2021-06-06|issn=0099-9660|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
 
Robert Vadra studied at [[The British School, New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Who is Robert Vadra? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/who-is-robert-vadra-118259-2012-10-10 |work=India Today |date=10 October 2012 |language=en}}</ref> His brother Richard died by suicide, and his sister Michelle died in a car accident in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Another-tragedy-in-Vadra-family/articleshow/191362.cms|title=Another tragedy in Vadra family|date=September 20, 2003|first=Anubha|last=Sawhney|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref name=IndiaTV>{{cite news |publisher=IndiaTV |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/robert-vadra-facts-priyanka-son-in-law-congress-sonia-gandhi-18725.html |title=10 facts to know about Robert Vadra, the stylish son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi}}</ref> His father was found dead on April 3, 2009, in City Inn, a guest house in the [[Yusuf Sarai]] area of Delhi.


Robert Vadra's brother Richard died by suicide and his sister Michelle died in a car accident in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Another-tragedy-in-Vadra-family/articleshow/191362.cms|title=Another tragedy in Vadra family|date=September 20, 2003|first=Anubha|last=Sawhney|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref name=IndiaTV>{{cite news |publisher=IndiaTV |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/amp/politics/national/robert-vadra-facts-priyanka-son-in-law-congress-sonia-gandhi-18725.html/page/2 |title=10 facts to know about Robert Vadra, the stylish son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi}}</ref> His father was found dead on April 3, 2009 in City Inn, a guest house in the [[Yusuf Sarai]] area of Delhi.
He is husband of [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad]] [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|MP]] [[Priyanka Gandhi]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He is the son-in-law of former [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]] and [[Sonia Gandhi]] and the brother-in-law of [[Rahul Gandhi]].


== Politics ==
== Politics ==
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Until 2012, while Vadra was mostly in the background, he became a target for several opposition parties after the [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement#2012|2012 anti-corruption movement]], [[India Against Corruption|India against corruption]] made allegations against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national-5-controversies-surrounding-trobert-vadra-332235|title=Robert Vadra: A dark spot in Gandhi family or a soft political target? 5 controversies surrounding the 'Damad'|last=Fuwad|first=Ahamad|date=2016-06-01|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref> These allegations got further politicization after several instances of Congress party spokespersons defending allegations on Vadra, stating he was a soft target.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-gurugram-land-deal-case-congress-defends-robert-vadra-alleges-malicious-witch-hunt-by-pm-modi-461136|title=Gurugram land deal case: Congress defends Robert Vadra, alleges 'malicious witch-hunt' by PM Modi|last=Thomas|first=Soumya|date=2018-09-03|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>
Until 2012, while Vadra was mostly in the background, he became a target for several opposition parties after the [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement#2012|2012 anti-corruption movement]], [[India Against Corruption|India against corruption]] made allegations against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national-5-controversies-surrounding-trobert-vadra-332235|title=Robert Vadra: A dark spot in Gandhi family or a soft political target? 5 controversies surrounding the 'Damad'|last=Fuwad|first=Ahamad|date=2016-06-01|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref> These allegations got further politicization after several instances of Congress party spokespersons defending allegations on Vadra, stating he was a soft target.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-gurugram-land-deal-case-congress-defends-robert-vadra-alleges-malicious-witch-hunt-by-pm-modi-461136|title=Gurugram land deal case: Congress defends Robert Vadra, alleges 'malicious witch-hunt' by PM Modi|last=Thomas|first=Soumya|date=2018-09-03|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>


While Vadra is not into active politics he had been actively campaigning for his brother-in-law [[Rahul Gandhi]] and mother-in-law [[Sonia Gandhi]]. In the [[2019 Indian general election|Lok Sabha elections of 2019]], he campaigned actively across India for several candidates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/robert-vadra-to-campaign-for-congress-all-over-india-to-accompany-rahul-gandhi-sonia-gandhi-to-amethi-rae-bareli-6405461.html|title=Robert Vadra to campaign for Congress 'all over India'; to accompany Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi to Amethi, Rae Bareli|website=Firstpost|date=7 April 2019|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> Recently on his 50th birthday, when asked about his intent to join active politics, Vadra stated it would happen 2–3 years later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.com/business/robert-vadra-celebrates-his-50th-with-family-381433.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425125807/https://www.in.com/business/robert-vadra-celebrates-his-50th-with-family-381433.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-04-25|title=Robert Vadra celebrates his 50th with family|website=in.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>
While Vadra is not into INC active politics he has been actively campaigning for his brother-in-law [[Rahul Gandhi]] and mother-in-law [[Sonia Gandhi]]. In the [[2019 Indian general election|Lok Sabha elections of 2019]], he campaigned actively across India for several candidates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/robert-vadra-to-campaign-for-congress-all-over-india-to-accompany-rahul-gandhi-sonia-gandhi-to-amethi-rae-bareli-6405461.html|title=Robert Vadra to campaign for Congress 'all over India'; to accompany Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi to Amethi, Rae Bareli|website=Firstpost|date=7 April 2019|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> On his 50th birthday, when asked about his intent to join active politics, Vadra stated it would happen 2–3 years later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.com/business/robert-vadra-celebrates-his-50th-with-family-381433.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425125807/https://www.in.com/business/robert-vadra-celebrates-his-50th-with-family-381433.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-04-25|title=Robert Vadra celebrates his 50th with family|website=in.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref> He mulled a run in the [[2024 Indian general election]], but did not file nomination.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/entire-country-wants-me-to-get-into-active-politics-robert-vadra-on-contesting-elections-from-amethi/article68113469.ece | title='Entire country wants me to get into active politics': Robert Vadra on contesting elections from Amethi | work=The Hindu | date=27 April 2024 }}</ref>
 
==Controversies==
 
=== DLF land grab case ===
{{Main|DLF land grab  case}}
 
In October 2011, he was accused by [[Arvind Kejriwal]] of taking an interest-free loan of 650&nbsp;million and heavy bargains on land from [[DLF Limited]] in exchange for political favours. DLF responded that it had dealt with Vadra as a private entrepreneur, that the loan was Business Advance which was given, as per practice of trade, to make payments for land purchased from Vadra, that the company did not sell him land at a discounted price, and that no quid pro quo took place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/full-statement-dlf-denies-kejriwals-allegations-501096|title=Full statement: DLF denies Kejriwal's allegations|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> {{clarification|date=May 2020}}Corporation Bank has denied ever providing an overdraft facility of that amount.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Corporation-Bank-denies-giving-overdraft-to-Robert-Vadra/articleshow/16789007.cms|title=Corporation Bank denies giving overdraft to Robert Vadra|date=October 13, 2012|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/sonia-son-in-law-robert-vadra-amassed-rs-300-cr-in-3-yrs-dlf-funded-him-kejriwal/story-QvN69z9rra8742NTAgX2nN.html|title=Sonia son-in-law Robert Vadra amassed Rs. 300 cr in 3 yrs, DLF funded him: Kejriwal|date=2012-10-05|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> Meanwhile after being asked to vacate the government accommodation at Lodhi estate, Priyanka Vadra shifted to a 5500 sqft 5 bedroom home at a DLF property in Gurugram.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Jul 23|first1=Mumbai Mirror / Updated|last2=2020|last3=Ist|first3=09:21|title=Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to move to DLF The Aralias in Gurgaon|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-informer/priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-move-to-dlf-the-aralias-in-gurgaon/articleshow/77119625.cms|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Bikaner land case ===
In February 2019, [[Rajasthan High Court]] has issued summons to Vadra and his mother Maureen in relation to a 2015 case of illegal land transactions in Kolayat area of Bikaner. The enforcement directorate had filed a case against Vadra's company Skylight hospitality pvt ltd alleging purchase of 69.55 bigha (approx. 28 acres) land in connivance with [[Rajasthan government]] officials at sub market rates (7.2&nbsp;million) and then selling them at exorbitantly higher prices to gain illegal profits.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Raghav|last1=Ohri|access-date=2020-04-21|title=Bikaner Land scandal: ED attaches assets worth Rs 4.62 crores of Robert Vadra's company and others|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bikaner-land-scandal-ed-attaches-assets-worth-rs-4-62-crores-of-robert-vadras-company-and-others/articleshow/68012810.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=15 February 2019}}</ref> The company had been issued a notice under Prevention of money laundering act in 2016. Subsequently, the company approached Delhi HC and [[Supreme court]] in April 2018 for reassessment of their transactions, however the court directed Vadra to appear before the ED and cooperate in investigations. In recent development, the ED has attached the assets of Vadra's company Skylight valued at 46.2&nbsp;million after Vadra appeared before ED ignoring several previous summons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ed-attaches-rs-4-62-crore-of-assets-of-robert-vadras-company/articleshow/68012963.cms|title=ED attaches Rs 4.62 crore of assets of Robert Vadra's company|date=February 15, 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> In January 2020, during his interrogation with the ED, Vadra stated that he had viewed the land locations on Google maps, but could not recollect the source for the funds he used to purchase those.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ohri|first=Raghav|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/robert-vadra-said-cant-recollect-fund-source-saw-land-on-google-ed/articleshow/73238265.cms|title=Robert Vadra said can't recollect fund source, saw land on Google: ED|date=2020-01-14|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 23:40, 23 February 2026


Robert Vadra
Vadra in 2019
Born (1969-04-18) 18 April 1969 (age 57)
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
OccupationBusinessperson
Spouse(s)
(
m. 1997)
Children2
RelativesSee Nehru–Gandhi family

Robert Vadra (born 18 April 1969) is an Indian entrepreneur, and the husband of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi.[1][2]

Early life and family[edit | edit source]

Robert Vadra was born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh,[3] to Rajendra Vadra and Maureen on 18 April 1969. His father's family is of Punjabi descent and settled in Moradabad.[4] His paternal family is originally from Sialkot in present-day Pakistan. Rajendra's father moved to India at the time of partition.[5]

Robert Vadra's mother, Maureen (née McDonagh), is of Anglo-Indian origin, with roots stretching back to Scotland. Rajendra was a resident of Civil Lines, Moradabad, and ran a diamond trading business along with brass and wood handicrafts. Rajendra Vadra has only completed his high school education.[6]

Robert Vadra studied at The British School, New Delhi.[7] His brother Richard died by suicide, and his sister Michelle died in a car accident in 2001.[8][9] His father was found dead on April 3, 2009, in City Inn, a guest house in the Yusuf Sarai area of Delhi.

He is husband of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi.[1][2] He is the son-in-law of former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi and the brother-in-law of Rahul Gandhi.

Politics[edit | edit source]

In January 2002, Vadra issued a notice in print newspaper distancing himself from his father and brother as they were misusing his relationship with the Nehru–Gandhi family to make money while promising jobs and other favours.[10] Following this, Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president also issued a notice to all Congress CMs, state unit heads and senior party members to stay away from Vadra and his family.[11]

Until 2012, while Vadra was mostly in the background, he became a target for several opposition parties after the 2012 anti-corruption movement, India against corruption made allegations against him.[12] These allegations got further politicization after several instances of Congress party spokespersons defending allegations on Vadra, stating he was a soft target.[13]

While Vadra is not into INC active politics he has been actively campaigning for his brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi and mother-in-law Sonia Gandhi. In the Lok Sabha elections of 2019, he campaigned actively across India for several candidates.[14] On his 50th birthday, when asked about his intent to join active politics, Vadra stated it would happen 2–3 years later.[15] He mulled a run in the 2024 Indian general election, but did not file nomination.[16]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Malik, Aman (8 October 2012). "DLF-Robert Vadra controversy: A news round-up". Mint. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Robert Vadra not new to controversy". Rediff. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  3. ↑ Ashraf, Zainab. "Robert Rajendra Vadra: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia". www.oneindia.com.
  4. ↑ "Priyanka cites husband's root at maiden rally in Punjab; Vadra endorses statement". news.abplive.com. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  5. ↑ Priyanka's father-in-law hanged himself: Police sources. Times of India.
  6. ↑ Anand, Geeta; Roy, Rajesh (18 April 2014). "Behind a Real-Estate Empire, Ties to India's Gandhi Dynasty". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  7. ↑ "Who is Robert Vadra?". India Today. 10 October 2012.
  8. ↑ Sawhney, Anubha (20 September 2003). "Another tragedy in Vadra family". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  9. ↑ "10 facts to know about Robert Vadra, the stylish son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi". IndiaTV.
  10. ↑ "Love's Favours Lost | Outlook India Magazine". Outlook (India). Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  11. ↑ "Sonia Closes Door on Vadras". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  12. ↑ Fuwad, Ahamad (1 June 2016). "Robert Vadra: A dark spot in Gandhi family or a soft political target? 5 controversies surrounding the 'Damad'". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  13. ↑ Thomas, Soumya (3 September 2018). "Gurugram land deal case: Congress defends Robert Vadra, alleges 'malicious witch-hunt' by PM Modi". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  14. ↑ "Robert Vadra to campaign for Congress 'all over India'; to accompany Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi to Amethi, Rae Bareli". Firstpost. 7 April 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  15. ↑ "Robert Vadra celebrates his 50th with family". in.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  16. ↑ "'Entire country wants me to get into active politics': Robert Vadra on contesting elections from Amethi". The Hindu. 27 April 2024.
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