RAS question
First woman CM of Rajasthan was:
Correct answer: (A) Vasundhara Raje.
Vasundhara Raje was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
Explanation
Vasundhara Raje is the correct answer. The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Museum identifies her as the state’s first and only woman Chief Minister. She served as Chief Minister during two periods: 2003-2008 and 2013-2018. The museum page also identifies her as Smt. Vasundhara Raje of the Scindia family and includes a dedicated gallery about her biography and political work. The question asks who was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan, not simply for the name of a woman political leader from the state. Sushila Devi and Sumitra Singh did not hold this office, so option A is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Sushila Devi was not Rajasthan’s first woman Chief Minister; the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Museum identifies Vasundhara Raje as the first and only woman Chief Minister of the state.
- (C) Sumitra Singh was not Rajasthan’s first woman Chief Minister; the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Museum identifies Vasundhara Raje as the first and only woman Chief Minister of the state.
- (D) The ‘None of these’ option is incorrect because option A names Vasundhara Raje, whom the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Museum identifies as the first and only woman Chief Minister of the state.
Concept
This question tests knowledge of Rajasthan’s political leadership and constitutional office-holders. For RAS, knowledge of Chief Ministers, Speakers and other major office-holders is important because it helps explain the state’s political history after Independence.