Former Union Minister Mohsina Kidwai dies at 94
Mohsina Kidwai, a former Union Minister who held several portfolios under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, died at Metro Hospital, Noida, on 8 April 2026, aged 94.
Summary
Mohsina Kidwai, a former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader, died at Metro Hospital in Noida on 8 April 2026 at the age of 94, after age-related ailments. She held portfolios including labour, health and family welfare, rural development, transport and urban development in the governments of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Her political career began in 1960, when she was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council; she later became a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government and entered national politics by winning the 1978 Azamgarh Lok Sabha by-election. She held the rare distinction of serving in four legislatures: as an MLC, an MLA, and a member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which she entered in 2004. She was a member of the Congress Working Committee and one of the few women to head the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. Her memoir, 'My Life in Indian Politics', was published in 2022.
Key facts
- Died
- 8 April 2026, Metro Hospital, Noida; aged 94
- Union portfolios
- Labour, health and family welfare, rural development, transport, urban development
- Career start
- 1960, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
- National entry
- 1978 Azamgarh Lok Sabha by-election
- Four legislatures
- MLC, MLA, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha (from 2004)
- Memoir
- My Life in Indian Politics (2022)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Mohsina Kidwai, who died on 8 April 2026, entered national politics by winning the 1978 Lok Sabha by-election from which constituency?
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Correct answer: A — Azamgarh
The Hindu and NDTV both report that she entered national politics after winning the 1978 by-election from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about Mohsina Kidwai: 1. She served as a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Assembly, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at different points in her career. 2. She entered the Rajya Sabha in 2004. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: The Hindu and NDTV note that she served in four legislatures (MLC, MLA, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and entered the Rajya Sabha in 2004.
Which memoir did Mohsina Kidwai publish in 2022?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — My Life in Indian Politics
Both reports say she published her memoir 'My Life in Indian Politics' in 2022.