Sushilkumar Shinde: Indian politician, former Home Minister and Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Profile of Sushilkumar Shinde, Indian National Congress leader who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra (2003–2004) and later held senior Union Cabinet roles including Home Minister and Power Minister under Manmohan Singh.

Sushilkumar Sambhaji Shinde (born 4 September 1941) is an Indian politician affiliated with the Indian National Congress. He has held several prominent offices at both state and national level, including senior ministries in the central government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Central government roles

Shinde served in the Union cabinet in two major portfolios. He was the Union Minister of Power before taking charge of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, a post he held until 2014. During the same period he acted as the party's Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha until 26 May 2014.

State leadership

Before returning to national politics, Shinde led his home state's government. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 18 January 2003 until October 2004, heading the state administration and its cabinet during that term.

Vice-presidential election

In 2002 Shinde was the Indian National Congress nominee for the Vice-President of India. He contested the election but was defeated by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Over a long political career, Shinde has been a prominent figure in both state and central government, known for occupying several key ministerial positions within his party's governments.