UP CM's 'Forbidden' Love: 20 Years Her Senior, A Romance That Even Gandhi Couldn't Stop
UP CM's 'Forbidden' Love: 20 Years Her Senior, A Romance That Even Gandhi Couldn't Stop Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 16:33 IST Before
UP CM's 'Forbidden' Love: 20 Years Her Senior, A Romance That Even Gandhi Couldn't Stop Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 16:33 IST Before she made political history, Sucheta Kripalani made a bold personal choice that sparked controversy. Here's the love story behind India's first woman Chief Minister Rapid Read Sucheta Kripalini's story is as much about personal courage as it is about political achievement, making her one of the pioneering women in modern Indian politics. Uttar Pradesh News: Long before Sucheta Kripalani scripted history by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the first woman Chief Minister of any Indian state after Independence, she made a personal decision that challenged the social norms of her time. Her marriage to veteran freedom fighter Acharya JB Kripalani, nearly 20 years her senior, faced opposition from both families and even initial reservations from the preeminent leader of the Indian Congress, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Yet, Sucheta stood by her decision and went on to carve out an independent political identity that would earn her a place in India’s history. Who Was Sucheta Kripalani? Born on June 25, 1908, as Sucheta Majumdar, she was an accomplished academic before entering public life. She taught Constitutional History at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at a time when India’s freedom movement was gathering momentum and universities had become centres of political activity.
It was during her time at BHU that she met Acharya JB Kripalani. JB Kripalani reportedly visited the university in 1929 to recruit volunteers for the freedom movement. Their acquaintance gradually developed into a close relationship built on shared ideals and commitment to the freedom struggle. Who Was JB Kripalani? Acharya Jeevataram Bhagwandas (JB) Kripalani was one of the most prominent Congress leaders of the time. A close associate of Gandhi, he was known for his role in the freedom movement and his influence within the Congress. He was regarded not only as a political leader but also as an important Gandhian thinker. Despite the nearly 20-year age gap, Sucheta and JB Kripalani decided to marry. A Marriage That Sparked Opposition In the 1930s, the decision created considerable controversy. Both families opposed the relationship, largely because of the age difference and prevailing social norms. The couple’s decision also attracted the attention of Mahatma Gandhi. Why Did MK Gandhi Initially Oppose The Marriage? According to reports, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was initially reluctant to support the marriage. He reportedly feared that after marriage, JB Kripalani’s attention might shift away from the freedom movement and organisational work. Sucheta, however, is said to have responded with a remark that has since become one of the most memorable moments associated with their relationship.
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