Ram Naik, Politician
Politician

Ram Naik

Born 16 November 1934 · Maharashtra

Serving as the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh from 2014 to 2019.

Ram Naik is a veteran Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party who served as the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Ram Naik was jailed as an infant during the Emergency when his family was targeted for their RSS affiliation, a rare and striking personal history fact.

The Story

1
In 1964, Ram Naik kickstarted his political voyage by organizing Mumbai's rail commuters, a grassroots effort that would anchor his decades-long influence in Maharashtra's political landscape.
2
🌟 From 1978 to 1989, he held the Borivali assembly seat for three consecutive terms, embedding himself deeply in Maharashtra's legislative processes.
3In 1999, Naik entered the Union Cabinet as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, steering India's energy policies during a transformative era.
4He pioneered the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme, which redefined how MPs could channel funds directly for constituency development.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Though born in Sangli district, Maharashtra, Ram Naik's political influence extended far beyond, culminating in his appointment as Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 2014, a post rarely held by politicians from Maharashtra.

🖼️

Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
Governor Ram Naik's book ‘CHARAIVETI, CHARAIVETI’ released at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (2016).
Governor Ram Naik's book ‘CHARAIVETI, CHARAIVETI’ released at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (2016).
2016
Governor Ram Naik with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (2016).
Governor Ram Naik with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ambedkar Mahashaba campus, Lucknow (2016).
Governor Ram Naik with Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributing LPG connections in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh (2016).
Governor Ram Naik pictured with Hasnain Baqai in Uttar Pradesh (2019).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra
Ram Naik was born in Sangli district of Maharashtra, beginning his life in a region known for its rich cultural heritage.
1934
⚡
Career
Started political work with Bharatiya Jana Sangh
Organized rail commuters in Mumbai, marking the start of his political engagement with the Jana Sangh.
1964
⚡
Career
Elected MLA from Borivali
Won the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly seat representing Borivali, beginning a decade of legislative service.
1978
⚡
Career
Minister of State for Railways
Influenced the formation of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation to enhance suburban rail infrastructure.
1998
⚡
Career
Union Cabinet Minister for Petroleum
Appointed as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas under Prime Minister Vajpayee, serving until 2004.
1999
⚡
Career
Lost Lok Sabha election to Govinda
Contested Mumbai North but lost to Bollywood star Govinda, a significant political upset.
2004
⚡
Career
Appointed Governor of Uttar Pradesh
Became the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh, involving himself in cultural and political debates statewide.
2014
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
💡SURPRISING

In 2004, Naik publicly demanded an apology from the Prime Minister and Congress chief for removing quotes from statues of revolutionaries like Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, a rare political stance defending nationalist iconography.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Ram Naik lost the 2004 Lok Sabha election from Mumbai North to Bollywood actor Govinda, highlighting the unexpected intersection of politics and film in Indian electoral battles.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Ram Naik was a lifelong Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteer from childhood but also holds a law degree, blending ideological commitment with formal education.

“

"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."

— Ram Naik

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Ram Naik says "Oil companies shared a generous dividend which will go into consolidated funds"
·YouTube
More from this archive
Ram Naik says "Oil companies shared a generous dividend which will go into consolidated funds"
01
Ram Naik says "Oil companies shared a generous dividend which will go into consolidated funds"
YouTube
Shri Ram Naik on the petroleum requirements in India
02
Shri Ram Naik on the petroleum requirements in India
YouTube
Govinda Took Dawood Help To Defeat Me In 2004 : Ram Naik
03
Govinda Took Dawood Help To Defeat Me In 2004 : Ram Naik
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Ram Naik's introduction of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme transformed constituency development by allowing MPs to allocate funds directly, impacting infrastructure and welfare projects nationwide. His tenure as Union Minister helped shape India's petroleum policy during a critical pre-liberalization phase, while his role in founding the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation contributed to the modernization of one of the world's busiest suburban rail networks. As Governor of Uttar Pradesh, his public remarks on cultural heritage and Hindu identity sparked political discussions that resonated beyond his term.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Ram Naik?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Ram Naik...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?