Ram Naik (born 17 April 1934) is a veteran Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party who served as the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh. he holds a law degree. He started his political career with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1964 and was involved in organizing a group of rail commuters in Mumbai.

Ram Naik announced in September 2013 that he will not contest the 2014 Lok Sabha Polls. On 14 July 2014 he was named as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Within a few months of his being appointed governor, he stated that "The Ram Temple should be built as soon as possible, this is what the people of this country want and their wishes should be fulfilled." The theme was immediately backed up by Hindutva groups.

Subsequently, his Hindutva remarks seem to have been reined in by Narendra Modi.

Personal life

He was born in Sangli district of Maharashtra state. He married Kunda Naik on 17 May 1960 and has two daughters.

Positions held

  • 1969–1977 – Organising Secretary, Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Mumbai
  • 1977–1978 – General Secretary, Janata Party, Mumbai
  • 1978–1989 – Member, Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra (3 terms)
  • 1979–1980 – President, Janata Party, Mumbai
  • 1980–1986 – President, BJP, Mumbai
  • 1986–1989 – Vice President, BJP, Maharashtra
  • 1989 – Elected to 9th Lok Sabha
  • 1991 – Elected to 10th Lok Sabha
  • 1999 – Elected to 13th Lok Sabha
  • 1999–2004 – Union Cabinet Minister, Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • since 2004 – President, All India Disciplinary Committee of BJP
  • 2014–2019 Governor of Uttar Pradesh

References

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  • Official biographical sketch in Parliament of India website
  • Official Website
  • Official Website of Governor House Uttar Pradesh