Rivaba Ravindrasinh Jadeja, formerly known as Riva Solanki, is more than just the wife of Indian cricket star Ravindra Jadeja—she’s a mechanical engineer, a social reformer, and a rising political figure in Gujarat. Her journey from academia to the legislative assembly is a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and public service.
Early Life and Education
Born on 2 November 1990 in Rajkot, Gujarat, Rivaba grew up in a family that valued education and civic responsibility. Her father, Hardevsinh Solanki, is a businessman, while her mother, Prafullaba Solanki, worked with Indian Railways. Rivaba is also the niece of Hari Singh Solanki, a senior Congress politician, which gave her early exposure to political discourse.
She pursued Mechanical Engineering at the Atmiya Institute of Technology and Science, Rajkot. Her academic background laid the foundation for her analytical thinking and problem-solving skills—traits that would later serve her well in politics.
Marriage to Ravindra Jadeja
Rivaba met Ravindra Jadeja through his sister, Naina Jadeja, who was already a close friend. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to an engagement on 5 February 2016 at Jadeja’s restaurant, Jaddu’s Food Field. The couple married on 17 April 2016 in a lavish ceremony in Rajkot, attended by family, friends, and prominent figures from cricket and politics.
In 2017, they welcomed their daughter Nidhyana, and since then, Rivaba has balanced her roles as a mother, public servant, and political leader with grace.
Political Career and Rise to Prominence
Rivaba’s political journey began in 2018, when she was appointed as the chief of the women’s wing of Karni Sena, a right-wing organization representing the Rajput community. Her leadership during protests against the film Padmavat brought her into the public eye.
In 2019, she officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Gujarat Agriculture Minister R. C. Faldu and MP Poonam Madam. Her entry into mainstream politics was strategic and well-supported.
Her breakthrough came in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly Elections, where she contested from the Jamnagar North constituency. Rivaba won with a commanding margin of over 53,000 votes, defeating candidates from both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Her victory was particularly notable because her sister-in-law, Naina Jadeja, campaigned for the Congress candidate in the same constituency, highlighting a rare political divide within the family.
Social Initiatives and Public Service
Rivaba has consistently championed social causes, especially those related to women’s empowerment and child welfare. She founded the Shree Matrushakti Charitable Trust, which focuses on supporting underprivileged women through education, vocational training, and financial assistance.
One of her most celebrated initiatives came in 2022, when she and Ravindra Jadeja opened 101 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts for underprivileged girls on their daughter’s fifth birthday. This act of generosity aligned with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and earned them a letter of appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to grassroots development and inclusive growth, especially in rural Gujarat.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Like many public figures, Rivaba has faced her share of controversies. In May 2018, she was involved in a minor incident in Jamnagar when her car allegedly collided with a police constable’s motorcycle. The altercation escalated, with the constable reportedly pulling her hair during the argument. The matter was resolved without major legal consequences, but it drew significant media attention.
More recently, in 2024, Rivaba found herself at the center of a family dispute when Ravindra Jadeja’s father, Anirudhsinh Jadeja, publicly claimed that he had no relationship with his son or daughter-in-law. He alleged that Rivaba had created a rift in the family and demanded property transfers shortly after marriage.
Ravindra Jadeja responded to these claims on social media, calling the interview “scripted” and defending his wife’s integrity. He stated, “The attempts made to tarnish my wife’s image are truly reprehensible and unbecoming”. Rivaba herself remained composed, urging reporters to approach her directly rather than speculate in public forums.
Public Image and Social Media Presence
Rivaba maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle, where she shares updates on her political engagements, family moments, and social initiatives. Her account has over 2 million followers, reflecting her growing influence and popularity.
Despite being in the public eye, Rivaba and Ravindra Jadeja have chosen to keep their daughter’s life private, rarely sharing her photos online. This decision underscores their commitment to protecting family boundaries while navigating public life.
Leadership Style and Vision
Rivaba’s leadership style is marked by clarity, discipline, and community engagement. She frequently visits her constituency, listens to local grievances, and works on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare services.
Her engineering background gives her a unique edge in understanding technical challenges, while her political lineage and grassroots activism help her connect with diverse voter groups.
She has also been vocal about women’s representation in politics, encouraging more women to participate in governance and decision-making roles.
Public Reception and Cultural Impact
Rivaba’s journey has inspired many young women in Gujarat and beyond. Her ability to transition from a technical career to politics, while managing family responsibilities and public scrutiny, has made her a role model.
Her cultural resonance was evident during the IPL 2023 final, when she was seen touching Ravindra Jadeja’s feet in celebration—a gesture that sparked both admiration and debate. While some praised her humility and traditional values, others questioned the symbolism. Regardless, the moment went viral and added another layer to her public persona.
Personal Life and Family Dynamics
Despite her political success, Rivaba’s personal life has been marked by challenges. The public fallout with her father-in-law and sister-in-law has been widely covered, but she has maintained a dignified silence, focusing instead on her work and family.
She and Ravindra Jadeja live in a luxurious bungalow in Jamnagar and own several properties, including a restaurant in Rajkot. Her net worth is estimated to be around ₹97 crore, which includes real estate, jewelry, and other assets.
Future Aspirations
As of 2025, Rivaba Jadeja continues to serve as the MLA for Jamnagar North, with growing speculation about her future in national politics. Her ability to navigate complex family dynamics, media scrutiny, and constituency demands suggests she may be poised for larger roles within the BJP.
She remains committed to education reform, women’s rights, and rural development, and is expected to launch new initiatives in the years to come.