User:OmkarMishra2209/Banshidhar Pandey

Shri Banshidhar Pandey was a famous Gandhian leader of Uttar Pradesh. Considered very trusted of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Chief Minister Sucheta Kriplani, Banshidhar was born on 21 January 1927 in a simple Brahmin family of Berwa Paharpur village (now Bhadohi) in Varanasi district. Banshidhar, who was interested in the freedom struggle since childhood, jumped into the Quit India Movement of 1942 at the tender age of 15 while in student life on the call of Mahatma Gandhi. He had his early education in the village itself. Further studies took place at K P College Allahabad and Allahabad University.

Banshidhar, a member of the Indian National Congress, was a part of active politics since independence. In 1962, he contested and was elected MLA from Bhadohi assembly constituency of Varanasi district on a Congress ticket and thus remained MLA till 1969. During this time, in Sucheta Kripalani's government, he was made the Honorary Parliamentary Secretary for Labor and Community Development. He contested again in 1969 from Gyanpur assembly seat in Varanasi and was once again elected. This time he was made a Minister of State in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. While being MLA and minister, he got many development works done in the state. The work of providing electricity to many villages of his area was also done during his tenure.

Banshidhar used to lead a very simple life. His younger son Rakesh Pandey is a well-known name in the film and theatre world. Banshidhar died on 15 December 2003 while spending the last time of his life in Lucknow. The people of his area still remember his works and take his name with great respect. The Uttar Pradesh government has built a park in his memory in Hazratganj, Lucknow.