Ex-MP Ratansinh Rajda dead

Rajda represented South Mumbai twice in the Lok Sabha in 1977 and 1980. Originally with the Congress, Rajda was one of the first politicians from Mumbai to oppose the Emergency and had spent 19 months in the Yeravada prison for agitating against the government.

Maharashtra Janata Dal president Nihal Ahmed in his condolence message said Rajda was one of the most eminent social workers of Mumbai, emotionally and ideologically close to Gandhian values of integrity in public life. Ahmed said Rajda was rooted firmly in his convictions and was an active and prominent leader during Emergency. Well-known Gujarati actor and Rajda’s younger brother, Suresh, informed that though Rajda had“slowed down due to age,” he was healthy and young at heart.

Born on December 19, 1927 Rajda graduated from the St Xavier’s College and studied Law, and later joined the Congress. He was elected as secretary to the Mumbai Congress Students Union in 1947. Rajda was also the president of the Mumbai Pradesh Youth Congress from 1950 to 1955.