Shri. Mathuralal Damar, a seasoned leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Ratlam Rural (ST) constituency, represents the grounded and resilient spirit of the Malwa region. Known for his deep-rooted connection with the Scheduled Tribe communities of Ratlam, he has built a political career based on simplicity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the agrarian and tribal heartlands.
Profile at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Mathuralal Damar |
| Constituency | Ratlam Rural (ST), Ratlam District |
| Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Education | 5th Pass (Govt School, Birmaval) |
| Profession | Agriculture and Pensioner |
| Terms | 2013–2018, 2023–Present |
Early Life and Background
Born on August 3, 1955, in the Ratlam district, Shri. Mathuralal Damar’s life has been defined by the realities of rural Madhya Pradesh. He is the son of Shri Natha Ji Damar, a farmer whose values of hard work and integrity served as his primary inspiration.
His educational journey is a testament to the fact that leadership is born out of experience rather than just formal credentials; he completed his primary education up to Class 5 and later studied briefly at the Government School in Birmaval. This humble background has provided him with an unfiltered perspective on the challenges of education, healthcare, and livelihood in tribal hamlets.
A Legacy of Service: The Political Ascent
Shri. Mathuralal Damar’s political trajectory is marked by his immense personal popularity and the trust he commands among the tribal electorate:
- The 2013 Victory: He first made a significant impact in the 2013 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, securing the Ratlam Rural seat for the BJP by defeating his Congress rival by over 26,000 votes.
- The 2023 Resurgence: After a period of organizational work, he returned to the electoral fray in the 2023 Assembly elections, securing a resounding mandate. Polling 102,968 votes, he won by a decisive margin of 34,324 votes, reinforcing his status as a pillar of stability for the BJP in Ratlam.
- Grassroots Connect: Before becoming an MLA, he spent decades as a dedicated social worker and party cadre, earning the reputation of a leader who is consistently available to his people at the village level.
Championing Regional Development: Key Initiatives
Throughout his tenure, Shri. Mathuralal Damar has focused on making Ratlam Rural a model of sustainable tribal development:
- Agricultural Empowerment: Drawing from his roots as a farmer, he has prioritized the improvement of local irrigation systems and ensured that government subsidies for seeds and fertilizers reach the most remote farms.
- Tribal Welfare & Forest Rights: As a representative of a reserved (ST) seat, he has been a vocal advocate for the effective implementation of the PESA Act and ensuring that tribal families have secure land and forest rights.
- Infrastructure & Rail Connectivity: He has been a proactive supporter of the Ratlam-Nagda Third and Fourth Rail Line project, a ₹1,018 crore initiative aimed at boosting regional freight efficiency and improving tourism access to heritage destinations in the state.
- Rural Health & Education: He has consistently worked toward upgrading primary healthcare centers and improving the teacher-to-student ratio in tribal-dominated government schools.
Visionary Outlook
Shri. Mathuralal Damar envisions a “Viksit Ratlam” where the tribal community is empowered with modern technology and education without losing its cultural essence. Aligning his efforts with the vision of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he emphasizes a model of governance that is transparent and “Antyodaya-driven”—focused on the last person in the line. Known for his modest lifestyle and approachable persona, he remains a “people’s MLA,” often spending his days traveling between villages to listen to public grievances and offer practical, on-the-spot solutions.
Why is he one of the ‘Stars of MP’?
Shri. Mathuralal Damar is recognized as a “Star of MP” because he represents the authenticity of grassroots leadership. His ability to secure record-breaking mandates despite a humble educational background proves that his strength lies in his character and his deep, emotional bond with his voters. As a leader who balances traditional tribal values with a forward-looking developmental agenda, he continues to shine as a beacon of progress and dedication for the people of Ratlam and the state of Madhya Pradesh.
About the Author
