Krishna Shahi (born 16 February 1931) is a

Congress A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...

politician from Bihar and a former

union minister The Union Council of Ministers is the Cabinet (government), principal executive organ of the Government of India, which serves to aid and advise the President of India in execution of their functions.Article 74 of the ''Constitution of India' ...

Early life and education

Krishna Sahi was born on 16 February 1931 in

Begusarai Begusarai is the industrial and financial capital of Bihar and the administrative headquarters of the Begusarai district, which is one of the 38 districts of the Indian state of Bihar. The district lies on the northern bank of the river Gan ...

, Bihar. She was the daughter of Mahesh Prasad Sinha and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Patna University, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (B.L.) from Bihar University.

Political career

State politics

Sahi entered public life in the early 1970s, winning election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly from the Mokama constituency in 1972. She was re-elected in 1977, serving until 1980, during which time she focused on rural development and women’s education initiatives in Begusarai district.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)

Sahi was first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in the 1980 general election from Begusarai, defeating Shyam Nandan Mishra of the Janata Party with 272,234 votes (60.14%). She retained the seat in the 1984 election with 387,165 votes (73.35%), but was unseated in 1989 by Janata Dal’s Lalit Vijay Singh. Returning to Parliament in 1991, she served a second stint through the 10th Lok Sabha, winning 343,050 votes (51.30%).

Ministerial roles

During her first parliamentary term, Sahi was appointed Minister of State in the Government of India under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, serving in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (1986–1988), Water Resources (1988–1989), and later in the Ministry of Industry (1992–1995) and Heavy Industries (1993–1995) under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. She also held the portfolio of Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (1995–1996).

Personal life

Sahi was married to B.P.N. Sahi and they had one child. Professionally trained as an advocate, she combined her legal background with a career in public service, advocating for women’s rights and rural welfare throughout her tenure.

Social work and legacy

Beyond her legislative duties, Sahi was known for championing adult literacy programs and potable water schemes in rural Bihar. Post-retirement, she remained active in social welfare organizations, mentoring young women to enter public service and law.

References

1931 births Living people Indian National Congress politicians from Bihar India MPs 1980–1984 Lok Sabha members from Bihar India MPs 1984–1989 India MPs 1991–1996 People from Begusarai district People from Muzaffarpur Women members of the Lok Sabha 20th-century Indian women politicians Samata Party politicians Bihar MLAs 1972–1977 Bihar MLAs 1977–1980 Women members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly {{Bihar-INC-politician-stub