Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s enduring presence at the Constitution Club is marked by his recent victory over Sanjeev Balyan, solidifying his long-standing influence. His ability to consistently secure leadership, including uncontested wins in 2009, 2014, and 2019, speaks volumes about his hold on the club. Despite facing a competitive field, particularly from within his own party, Rudy, a five-time Lok Sabha member, has maintained his position as the club’s secretary for a quarter-century.
The club, initially, had a low profile until a vision committee was formed by then Lok Sabha Speaker GMC Balayogi in 1998-99. Rudy, a prominent BJP leader and seven-time MP from Bihar’s Saran, was appointed as the secretary (administration), which was a pivotal moment.
The foundation for an election-based system was laid during the tenure of Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, with the club’s bylaws being approved on August 2, 2008. The inaugural election for the governing council was held on February 18, 2009.
Born on March 30, 1962, Rudy’s political career includes a significant win in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rabri Devi. Prior to entering politics, Rudy was a lecturer at Patna’s AN College. He was involved in student politics before his academic career.
His political career began in 1990, winning the MLA seat from Taraiya, Bihar, at the age of 28. Elected as an MP in 1996, he was later appointed Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in 1999. He also held independent charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
In 2008, he entered the Rajya Sabha from Bihar, and in 2014, he returned to the Lok Sabha, defeating Rabri Devi. He joined the Union Cabinet on November 9, 2014, as Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He also won the 2019 election against Chandrika Rai. In the 2024 election, Rudy’s victory was against Lalu Yadav’s daughter, Rohini Acharya.
Rudy’s educational background includes St. Michael’s High School, followed by pre-university and pre-engineering at DAV College in Chandigarh. He graduated with a BA (Honors) in Economics from Government College, Chandigarh. He holds a law degree from Punjab University (1985) and a post-graduate degree in Economics from Magadh University (1987).
Beyond politics, Rudy is a trained commercial pilot, certified to fly the A-320 aircraft from SimCenter in Miami, Florida. He often flies himself between Patna and Delhi.
Established in 1947, the Constitution Club of India, also known as a mini-parliament, was initially designed for dialogue among Constituent Assembly members. It evolved into a club for MPs, with its formal structure established in 1965 under President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, providing a central hub for activities and interactions among current MPs.