LUCKNOW: Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, a senior Reliance Group executive and sports administrator, has emerged as the Samajwadi Party‘s surprise candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh. Nathwani and SP secretary general Ram Gopal Yadav filed their nomination papers on Wednesday in the presence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav.The SP announced Nathwani’s candidature on Wednesday morning after Akhilesh Yadav had recently indicated that the party would field a “surprise” candidate. Nathwani is the party’s second candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls.Mr Nathwani is a senior executive of the Reliance Group and is said to be a close confidant of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.
Reliance Industries role
Nathwani is associated with Reliance Industries Limited and oversees several key manufacturing and business verticals of the group. According to his profile, he has strategic oversight of the Jamnagar manufacturing divisions and the Reliance Jio business in Gujarat, with responsibilities spanning finance and accounts, procurement and contracts, information technology and corporate affairs.He is also a board member of Reliance Corporate IT Park Limited (RCITPL), which handles IT infrastructure, digital platforms, data services and real estate support functions for the Reliance Group.Nathwani leads Reliance’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) vertical and supervises construction and infrastructure projects across the group. He also oversees Reliance Jio Defence System Limited, which focuses on high-tech manufacturing of military equipment and aerospace propulsion systems.
Sports administrator
Nathwani is also a prominent sports administrator. He is the president of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), which administers the Narendra Modi Stadium. His profile says he has focused on strengthening governance systems, infrastructure and grassroots cricket development in Gujarat.He was unanimously elected GCA president in 2022, succeeding Union home minister Amit Shah. He is also associated with football administration in Gujarat, according to the information provided.
Temple, wildlife and education roles
Beyond business and sports, Nathwani holds positions in several educational, environmental, wildlife and heritage institutions.He is the vice-chairman of the Dwarkadhish Temple Administrative Committee and a member of the Gujarat State Board for Wildlife and Nathdwara Temple Board. He is also associated with the boards of Pandit Dindayal Energy University, Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI), GLS University and the Gujarat Ecological Education & Research Foundation.He is also a member of the executive committee of the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society and has been associated with wildlife conservation initiatives involving Gir lions.Nathwani holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Regent Business School in London.
