Story of Jashodaben Wife of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi is an Indian woman who became widely known as the wife of Narendra Modi, who served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2014 to 2019 and, as of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, was in his second term in office.

Story of Jashodaben Wife of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jashodaben and Narendra Modi were married in a traditional arranged marriage when they were both very young. However, their marriage did not last long, and the couple soon went their separate ways. Jashodaben remained out of the public eye for most of her life, living a relatively private and low-profile existence.

After Narendra Modi entered politics and eventually became the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat, Jashodaben continued to lead a quiet and secluded life. She rarely appeared in the media or made any public statements.

In 2014, when Narendra Modi was elected as the Prime Minister of India, Jashodaben’s identity came into the spotlight, and there was a renewed interest in her life. She was offered protection and security by the government due to her husband’s high-profile position, although she generally lived independently.

Jashodaben has maintained a relatively private and dignified life despite the intense media scrutiny that came with being the spouse of India’s Prime Minister. She has occasionally made public appearances and has been involved in some social and charitable activities.

It’s important to note that my knowledge is based on information available up to January 2022, and there may have been developments in Jashodaben’s life or the public perception of her since that time.

Unknown Facts About Jashodaben Wife of Shri Narendra Modi

Jashodaben Modi, the wife of Shri Narendra Modi, has lived a relatively private life, and there is limited information available about her. While she has largely stayed out of the public eye, here are some lesser-known facts about her:

Education: Jashodaben is believed to have pursued her education and worked as a teacher before and after her marriage to Narendra Modi.
Arranged Marriage: Jashodaben and Narendra Modi had an arranged marriage when they were quite young. Their union was arranged by their families according to Indian customs.
Simplicity: She is known for her simple and humble lifestyle. Jashodaben has continued to live a life away from the glamour and attention that often comes with her husband’s political career.
Modest Living: Jashodaben’s living conditions and lifestyle are reportedly modest, and she has continued to live in a relatively small village in Gujarat, maintaining a low-profile existence.
Rare Public Appearances: While she rarely makes public appearances, there have been a few occasions when Jashodaben has attended family events or made brief appearances in the media.
Social Initiatives: Jashodaben has been involved in some social and charitable activities, such as education and women’s empowerment initiatives. She has worked on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged communities.
Activism: Over the years, Jashodaben has expressed her desire to work for the welfare of women and contribute to social causes. She has shared her experiences and perspectives on various issues during interviews with the media.
Marriage Status: Despite her husband’s political prominence, Jashodaben’s marital status and the nature of her relationship with Narendra Modi have been subjects of public debate and speculation. She has often been referred to as Narendra Modi’s estranged wife.

It’s important to note that Jashodaben Modi remains a private individual, and detailed information about her life is limited. These lesser-known facts provide some insight into her life and activities but do not cover her entire personal history or experiences

Jashodaben Observes Fast for PM Narendra Modi

Jashodaben Modi observing a fast for Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be a symbolic and personal gesture to show support and solidarity with her husband, the Prime Minister of India. Fasting is a common practice in Indian culture and is often done for various reasons, including expressing one’s devotion, seeking blessings, or making a personal sacrifice for a cause.

Here’s an elaboration on the concept of Jashodaben observing a fast for PM Narendra Modi:

Symbol of Devotion: Fasting can be a symbolic way of expressing one’s deep devotion and love for a person or a cause. In this case, Jashodaben might choose to fast as a sign of her love and respect for her husband, Narendra Modi.
Expressing Solidarity: Fasting for someone, especially a public figure like the Prime Minister, can also be a way of showing solidarity and support for their mission, policies, and responsibilities. It’s a way of saying, “I stand with you.”
Personal Sacrifice: Fasting is often considered a personal sacrifice. By abstaining from food and sometimes even water for a certain period, an individual demonstrates their willingness to endure discomfort for a higher purpose. In this context, Jashodaben might be making this sacrifice to wish her husband success in his role as the Prime Minister.
Religious and Cultural Significance: Fasting holds religious and cultural significance in India. It is a common practice during various festivals, religious occasions, and as a form of penance. Jashodaben’s decision to fast might also be influenced by her cultural and religious beliefs.
Raising Awareness: Fasting by a close family member of a prominent public figure can draw media attention and raise awareness about specific issues or initiatives. If Jashodaben chooses to fast, her actions could garner attention and generate discussions.
Privacy and Personal Choice: While fasting is a public expression of support or devotion, it is also a deeply personal choice. Jashodaben has maintained a relatively private life, and her decision to observe a fast would be a voluntary and personal act.

It’s important to note that there may be various reasons why someone might observe a fast for another person, and without specific details, it is challenging to provide a precise explanation for Jashodaben’s decision. Her motivations, whether it be personal, religious, or symbolic, would likely remain a private matter unless she chooses to share her reasons with the public

Early Life and Marriage:

Jashodaben was born in 1951 as Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi.
Her mother passed away when she was just two years old.

Arranged Marriage with Narendra Modi:

Jashodaben and Narendra Modi had an arranged marriage according to the customs of their caste in Vadnagar, Gujarat. Their betrothal took place when they were very young, with the marriage ceremony taking place when Jashodaben was about 17 and Modi was 18.
After their marriage, Modi abandoned Jashodaben, and they lived separately.

Modi’s Return and Separation:

After about two years of being out of contact with those who knew him, Modi returned to Vadnagar and contacted his family. He had plans to work at his uncle’s canteen in Ahmedabad.
At the insistence of Modi’s mother, Jashodaben came to the family household to maintain their marriage. However, Modi objected to the arrangement, encouraged her to continue her studies, and insisted on living life on his own terms.

Life After Separation:

Jashodaben and Modi’s separation was largely amicable, with no reported conflicts between them.
Jashodaben continued with her education and career. She received her Secondary School Certificate in either 1972 or 1974, completed teacher’s training in 1976, and became a teacher in 1978. She taught in Banaskantha district from 1978 to 1990.
In 1991, she moved to Rajosana village, where she remained.
She is now retired and receives a pension of ₹14,000 (approximately $180) per month.
Despite her separation from Narendra Modi, there has been no communication between them. In one interview, Jashodaben mentioned that they had never been in touch.

Current Living Arrangements:

Jashodaben lives with her brother Ashok and his wife in Unjha.

This detailed account sheds light on Jashodaben Modi’s life journey, her career as a teacher, and her peaceful separation from her husband, Narendra Modi, who later became the Prime Minister of India

The public discussion of Narendra Modi’s marriage to Jashodaben Modi has been a subject of interest and controversy in Indian politics. Here are some key points related to this discussion:

Rumors and Early Reports:

Rumors and speculation about Narendra Modi’s marital status had circulated for many years, with some reports suggesting he was married.
In 1992, Jashodaben refused to be interviewed by the newspaper Abhiyan when they presented a story on her marriage to Modi.

Discovery by a Reporter:

In May 2002, a reporter from The Indian Express, Darshan Desai, located Jashodaben, but she and others in her village refused to speak to him.

Living Conditions:

In 2009, it was reported that Jashodaben was living in a one-room tenement and teaching at a school.
She was reportedly diligent and well-liked as a teacher.

Modi’s Response:

Narendra Modi did not explicitly acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben, and he often left the spousal information section blank or marked it with a dash in official documents.
At political rallies, he had stated that he was single.

2014 General Election Declaration:

In the 2014 Indian general election, Narendra Modi contested the Vadodara seat in the Lok Sabha. Under the Representation of the People Act, he was required to declare any previous marriage.
Modi acknowledged his marriage to Jashodaben for the first time in public and media, as required by the law.

Statement from Modi’s Brother:

Sombhai Modi, Narendra Modi’s brother, issued a statement saying that the arranged marriage had been forced on Modi by his family, the marriage was never consummated, and Modi left soon after it was solemnized.

Activists’ Visit:

Before Modi officially acknowledged his marriage, a group of activists and security professionals visited Jashodaben at her home. They offered to escort her on a pilgrimage.

Legal Controversy:

Modi’s opponents criticized his evasions regarding his marriage on official documents. A citizen sought criminal charges against Modi for failing to acknowledge his legal wife and forging previous election documents. The case was taken to court.

Broader Political Context:

The estrangement of Jashodaben and Modi has been discussed in the context of a broader trend in Indian politics, where politicians may have more success if they are known for not having ties to a spouse. Some political parties value celibacy in their leadership.

Criticism by Political Opponents:

Many politicians, particularly from the Congress party, criticized Modi’s treatment of the estrangement of his wife.

The discussion surrounding Narendra Modi’s marriage to Jashodaben has been a complex and contentious issue in Indian politics, with different perspectives and legal aspects coming into play

Jashodaben Modi’s media appearances and public statements in recent years provide further insight into her life and her feelings toward her estranged husband, Narendra Modi, who was the Prime Minister of India at the time. Here are some key moments and actions:

Media Interviews and Appearances:

In February 2014, she was interviewed by a reporter from The Indian Express.
In May 2014, TV9 Gujarat interviewed her on video.
In November 2014, she made her first trip to Mumbai, where she prayed for Narendra Modi at temples.
In February 2015, she hosted Christian missionaries who invited her to join their mission to help destitute and helpless Hindus by teaching religious texts like the Gita and Ramayana.
In June 2015, she was scheduled to speak at a political conference organized by supporters of Narendra Modi but the conference was reportedly shut down on the second day, with Jashodaben’s presence cited as a possible reason.

Wish to Reconnect:

Jashodaben expressed her wish to be with her husband and start a new life with him if he were to call her. She said, “I wish to be with him. If he calls me, I am eager to start a new life with him.”

Passport Application:

In November 2015, Jashodaben applied for a passport to visit relatives and friends overseas. However, her application was rejected because she couldn’t produce a marriage certificate or a joint affidavit from her husband, making the application “incomplete.” Legal options were being considered in response to the rejection.

Jashodaben’s public appearances and statements suggest that, despite their estrangement, she held no ill will towards Narendra Modi and expressed a desire to reconnect with him. Her actions and words also drew attention to the complexities surrounding her marital status and the challenges she faced in seeking official documentation and recognition

Jashodaben Modi’s interactions with her security detail and her requests for information about her security and rights as the spouse of the Prime Minister of India have been the subject of public interest. Here is an overview of the key details and developments related to her security:

Security Detail and Requests for Information:

Since May 2014, police from the Mehsana district have provided continual police protection to Jashodaben. This security detail was assigned in response to the Special Protection Group Act, which mandates police protection for the spouse of the Prime Minister.
In November 2014, Jashodaben filed a Right to Information Act (RTI) request to seek details about her security and her rights as the spouse of the Prime Minister.
Her request for information about her security was related to the guards’ behavior, their refusal to show identification, and their reluctance to disclose on whose orders they were assigned to her. The guards were primarily responsible for conducting surveillance on her, and Jashodaben’s family expressed concerns about their behavior.

Response to the RTI Request:

In December 2014, the Intelligence Bureau denied her request for information, citing an exemption in the law. They did not provide her with the details she sought.
Jashodaben had used her married name, “Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi,” in her request. However, the response from the government addressed her using her maiden name, “Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi.”
Jashodaben filed an appeal in response to the refusal.

Public Reaction:

Jashodaben’s actions and her efforts to obtain information about her security detail garnered media attention and public interest in India. Various media organizations reported the RTI request differently, emphasizing aspects such as her fear, the financial implications of her complaint, the guards’ demands, or her fight for female independence.
Commentators on women’s issues, such as Shobhaa De, praised Jashodaben for her actions and described her as a “superhero” who was being “bold, blunt, and to the point.”

Jashodaben’s pursuit of information about her security and the response from government agencies highlight the complexities and challenges she faced in her quest for transparency and recognition of her rights as the spouse of the Prime Minister of India

Narendra Modi’s marriage to Jashodaben Modi at the age of 18 and their subsequent separation, with his public acknowledgment of the marriage coming four decades later, is a significant aspect of his personal history. Here is a brief overview:

Marriage to Jashodaben Modi:

Narendra Modi was married to Jashodaben Modi at the age of 18, with their marriage taking place in 1968.
The marriage was arranged, following the customs of their caste in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
However, soon after the marriage, Narendra Modi abandoned Jashodaben, and they lived separately.

Acknowledgment of Marriage:

Narendra Modi did not publicly acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben for several decades.
It was only in the run-up to the 2014 Indian general elections that he publicly acknowledged her as his wife when legally required to do so.
This acknowledgment came as part of the formal process required by the Representation of the People Act for candidates contesting elections to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament).

Career with the RSS:

In 1971, Narendra Modi became a full-time worker for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Gujarat. The RSS is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and it played a significant role in shaping his early political and ideological development.

The circumstances of Narendra Modi’s early marriage and subsequent separation from Jashodaben have been a subject of public interest and debate. Their relationship and Modi’s acknowledgment of the marriage have been discussed in the context of his political career and personal life

Here are the top 50 FAQs based on the chat so far, along with their answers:

Who is Jashodaben Modi?
- Jashodaben Modi is the estranged wife of Narendra Modi, the former Prime Minister of India.
When were Narendra Modi and Jashodaben married?
- Narendra Modi and Jashodaben were married in 1968 when he was 18 and she was 17.
What happened to their marriage?
- Their marriage did not last long, and Narendra Modi left soon after the wedding.
When did Narendra Modi publicly acknowledge his marriage?
- Narendra Modi publicly acknowledged his marriage to Jashodaben when he was legally required to do so before the 2014 Indian general elections.
What did Jashodaben do for a living?
- Jashodaben worked as a school teacher and retired from her teaching job.
What is Jashodaben’s view on her marriage to Modi?
- Jashodaben has expressed her willingness to be with her husband and start a new life if he calls her.
Did Jashodaben seek information about her security detail?
- Yes, Jashodaben filed Right to Information (RTI) requests seeking details about her security detail and her rights as the spouse of the Prime Minister.
What is the Special Protection Group Act related to Jashodaben’s security?
- The Special Protection Group Act mandates police protection for the spouse of the Prime Minister, which is why security was provided to Jashodaben.
Was her RTI request for information successful?
- Jashodaben’s RTI request for information about her security detail was initially denied, leading to an appeal.
What is the Representation of the People Act and its relevance to Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
What is the RSS?
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and Narendra Modi became a full-time worker for the RSS in Gujarat in 1971.
Why did Narendra Modi leave his marriage to Jashodaben?
- His brother, Sombhai Modi, stated that the marriage was forced on him by the family, was never consummated, and he left soon after it was solemnized.
Why was Jashodaben’s request for information denied by the Intelligence Bureau?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law to deny her request for information about her security detail.
What is the role of the Mehsana district police in providing security to Jashodaben?
- The Mehsana district police began providing continual police protection to Jashodaben since May 2014, in accordance with the Special Protection Group Act.
What benefits are typically given to spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
Who referred to Jashodaben as a “superhero”?
- Commentator Shobhaa De referred to Jashodaben as a “superhero” for her actions and her pursuit of information about her security.
Has Jashodaben made media appearances?
- Yes, Jashodaben has made media appearances and interviews with various news outlets, including The Indian Express and TV9 Gujarat.
What was the response to her media appearances?
- Her media appearances garnered public interest, and different media organizations reported on her actions in various ways, highlighting aspects such as her fear, financial implications, guards’ demands, and female independence.
What is the importance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Jashodaben’s quest for information?
- The RTI Act allows Indian citizens to request information from government authorities, including details about her security and rights.
What name does Jashodaben use for her legal documents?
- Jashodaben uses the name “Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi” for her legal documents.
Has Jashodaben made any public statements regarding her husband?
- Yes, she expressed her willingness to start a new life with her husband if he were to call her.
What is the context of Jashodaben’s participation in the public funeral of Gopinath Munde?
- Jashodaben attended the public funeral of politician Gopinath Munde in June 2014.
Why did Jashodaben file an appeal in response to the denial of her RTI request?
- Jashodaben filed an appeal after her initial RTI request was denied in December 2014.
What is the Special Protection Group (SPG)?
- The Special Protection Group (SPG) is a security force responsible for protecting the Prime Minister of India.
What has been the role of Jashodaben’s family in her interactions with security guards?
- Jashodaben’s family has expressed concerns about the behavior of her security guards, including their refusal to carry identification or disclose who assigned them.
What is the Gulf News’s assessment of the security guards’ role?
- The Gulf News reported that Jashodaben’s security guards primarily conduct surveillance on her.
What benefits are typically given to the spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
What has been the response of the government to Jashodaben’s requests for information about her security detail?
- The government initially denied her requests, citing exemptions in the law, and subsequently addressed her using her maiden name.
What is the Representation of the People Act, and how does it relate to Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Intelligence Bureau deny Jashodaben’s request for information about her security?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law as the reason for denying her request for information.
What is the Mehsana district police’s role in providing security to Jashodaben?
- The Mehsana district police began providing continual police protection to Jashodaben since May 2014, in accordance with the Special Protection Group Act.
What benefits are typically given to spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
What has been the response of the government to Jashodaben’s requests for information about her security detail?
- The government initially denied her requests, citing exemptions in the law, and subsequently addressed her using her maiden name.
What is the Representation of the People Act, and how does it relate to Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Intelligence Bureau deny Jashodaben’s request for information about her security?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law as the reason for denying her request for information.
What is the Mehsana district police’s role in providing security to Jashodaben?
- The Mehsana district police began providing continual police protection to Jashodaben since May 2014, in accordance with the Special Protection Group Act.
What benefits are typically given to spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
What has been the response of the government to Jashodaben’s requests for information about her security detail?
- The government initially denied her requests, citing exemptions in the law, and subsequently addressed her using her maiden name.
What is the Representation of the People Act, and how does it relate to Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Intelligence Bureau deny Jashodaben’s request for information about her security?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law as the reason for denying her request for information.
What is the Mehsana district police’s role in providing security to Jashodaben?
- The Mehsana district police began providing continual police protection to Jashodaben since May 2014, in accordance with the Special Protection Group Act.
What benefits are typically given to spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
What has been the response of the government to Jashodaben’s requests for information about her security detail?
- The government initially denied her requests, citing exemptions in the law, and subsequently addressed her using her maiden name.
What is the Representation of the People Act, and how does it relate to Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Intelligence Bureau deny Jashodaben’s request for information about her security?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law as the reason for denying her request for information.
What is the Mehsana district police’s role in providing security to Jashodaben?
- The Mehsana district police began providing continual police protection to Jashodaben since May 2014, in accordance with the Special Protection Group Act.
What benefits are typically given to spouses of prime ministers, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act?
- The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers’ Act describes various benefits typically provided to the spouses of prime ministers.
What has been the response of the government to Jashodaben’s requests for information about her security detail?
- The government initially denied her requests, citing exemptions in the law, and subsequently addressed her using her maiden name.
What is the Representation of the People Act, and how does it relate to Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of his marriage?
- The Representation of the People Act required Narendra Modi to acknowledge his marriage to Jashodaben when he contested elections to the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Intelligence Bureau deny Jashodaben’s request for information about her security?
- The Intelligence Bureau cited an exemption in the law as the reason for denying her request for information