Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a historic benchmark by becoming the longest-serving Finance Minister of India. A seasoned economist and senior BJP leader, Sitharaman has held the position of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister since 31 May 2019.
She has now presented eight Union Budgets — a record unmatched in recent Indian history, second only to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. In February 2024, she equaled Desai’s record of six budgets, and by 2025, she surpassed it by delivering her eighth budget. Her legacy also includes being the first person to present a Union Budget in the newly inaugurated Indian Parliament building, adding another historic milestone to her tenure.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s political journey is as remarkable as her policy work. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2016, representing Karnataka, and had earlier served as a member from Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016. On 3 September 2017, she was appointed India’s Defence Minister — making her only the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi, and the first full-time female Defence Minister of the country.
Born on 18 August 1959, Sitharaman has consistently balanced economic prudence with political responsibility. Her long and continuous service in key ministerial roles demonstrates her influence and leadership within the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Her unprecedented run as Finance Minister marks a turning point in India’s political and administrative history, particularly with regard to women’s leadership in top executive roles.
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