Doraisamy Raja, commonly known as D. Raja, is a veteran Indian politician and social activist. He currently serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and is one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in the country’s left-wing political landscape. Born on 3 June 1949 in Chithathoor, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, Raja rose from poverty to become one of the CPI’s top national leaders and the first Dalit to hold the post of General Secretary in a mainstream communist party.
Short Bio
• Full Name: Doraisamy Raja
• Position: General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI)
• Political Affiliation: Communist Party of India (CPI)
• Date of Birth: 3 June 1949 (Age: 75 as of 2024)
• Birthplace: Chithathoor, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu
• Occupation: Politician, Social Worker
• Education:
– B.Sc. from GTM College, Gudiyattam
– B.Ed. from Government Teachers College, Vellore
• Religion: Atheist
• Family:
– Father: P. Doraisamy
– Mother: Nayagam
– Spouse: Annie Raja (General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women)
Early Life and Education
Born into a Dalit family of landless agricultural workers, D. Raja’s early life was marked by poverty and struggle. He studied in government schools and relied on midday meals during primary education. Despite challenges, he went on to become the first graduate from his village, completing B.Sc. and B.Ed. degrees in Tamil Nadu.
Personal Life
D. Raja met his wife Annie Raja, a fellow political activist, through the All India Youth Federation (AIYF). The two married on 7 January 1990. Today, Annie Raja is a powerful voice in women’s rights activism and currently serves as General Secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women, the women’s wing of CPI.
Political Career
Student & Youth Politics
• Raja’s political journey began during college, where he joined the All India Student Federation (AISF).
• Later, he led the All India Youth Federation (AIYF), serving as the Tamil Nadu State Secretary (1975–1980).
• He was elected General Secretary of AIYF from 1985 to 1990.
Roles in CPI
• Raja joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and became National Secretary in 1994, serving till 2019.
• On 21 July 2019, he was elected General Secretary of CPI, making history as the first Dalit to hold the top position in any mainstream left-wing party in India.
• He is known for championing Dalit rights, gender equality, and secular values.
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
• Elected to Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu in 2017, and re-elected in 2023.
• Represented the voice of CPI and raised key issues concerning social justice, workers’ rights, and constitutional values.
Contact Details
Mobile Number: 011 23317230
Tamil Nadu Office: 044 24851616
WhatsApp Number: +91 9868181991
Email IDs:
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
Delhi Residence Address:
303, 309, and 310, V.P. House, Rafi Marg, New Delhi – 110001
Permanent Address (Chennai):
Balan Illam, No.19, Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Road (South Boag Road), Theagaraya Nagar, Chennai – 600017
For party or political matters, please reach out via email or through official CPI communication channels.
Social Media Profiles
Follow Shri D. Raja on social platforms for updates on his political views, social statements, and CPI activities:
• X (Twitter): x.com/ComradeDRaja
• Facebook: facebook.com/ComradeDRaja
• Instagram: instagram.com/comradedraja
• YouTube: Not Available
• Official Website: www.communistparty.in
Advocacy & Beliefs
• D. Raja is a self-declared atheist, often speaking out against caste discrimination and religious intolerance.
• He remains committed to social justice, inclusive politics, and the rights of Dalits, women, and workers.
• His parliamentary debates and speeches have emphasized the importance of constitutional democracy and secularism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is D. Raja’s current political role?
He is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Q: Was D. Raja ever an MP?
Yes, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu in 2017 and re-elected in 2023.
Q: Who is D. Raja’s wife?
He is married to Annie Raja, who is also a senior CPI leader and General Secretary of NFIW.
Q: What is D. Raja’s contact number?
His Delhi office can be reached at 011-23317230 and WhatsApp at +91 9868181991.
Q: Is D. Raja religious?
No, he identifies as an atheist and often advocates for secular values.
Conclusion
D. Raja’s life journey—from a poor Dalit village boy in Tamil Nadu to the top leadership of one of India’s oldest political parties—is both inspiring and historic. As General Secretary of the CPI, he remains a powerful voice for equality, justice, and democratic values. Alongside his wife Annie Raja, D. Raja continues to influence India’s socio-political discourse with compassion, intellect, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.