Last Updated: October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM IST
Rekha Arya, the Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, has been in the headlines for both her political work and recent personal revelations. Many people searching for “Rekha Arya husband” want clear, factual information about the man by her side. Here is a straightforward, up-to-date look at Girdhari Lal Sahu, also known as Pappu Girdhari, based on publicly available records and the latest reports.
Table of Contents
Who is Rekha Arya?
Rekha Arya was born on 15 December 1978 in Sunadi Pokhri village, Someshwar tehsil, Almora district, Uttarakhand. She comes from a middle-class family with a background in the armed forces—her father served in the CRPF. She completed her M.Com and B.Ed from Kumaon University, Nainital.
She entered politics and became a three-time MLA from the Someshwar (Scheduled Caste reserved) constituency. First elected in a 2014 by-election, she retained the seat in 2017 and 2022 on a BJP ticket. Since 2017 she has served as a cabinet minister, currently holding the Women and Child Development portfolio (along with other responsibilities in recent years). She is known for her focus on women’s issues and local development in the Kumaon region.
About Her Husband Girdhari Lal Sahu
Girdhari Lal Sahu, popularly called Pappu Girdhari, hails from Jogi Nawada area in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. He has a background in business and local political circles. Public records and media reports identify him as Rekha Arya’s spouse. He is not known to hold any major elected public office himself, but has been associated with her personal and some professional matters over the years.
Key points about him include:
- Resident of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- Known in local circles as Pappu Girdhari
- Described in earlier profiles as coming from a political and business background
Their Marriage and Family Life
Rekha Arya and Girdhari Lal Sahu married on 6 July 2004 according to Hindu customs. At the time of marriage, according to her later statements, he presented himself as unmarried. The couple went on to have children together—reports mention one daughter and two sons.
For many years the family maintained a relatively private profile while Rekha Arya built her political career. She has spoken about prioritising the children’s future in personal decisions. Like many political families, they balanced public duties with private life until recent events brought private matters into the open.
Recent Allegations and Police Complaint
On 15 October 2026, Rekha Arya filed an FIR against Girdhari Lal Sahu at the Cantonment (Cantt) police station in Dehradun. In her complaint and a subsequent emotional video she shared publicly, she levelled serious allegations. These include:
- Concealing a previous marriage and children from that relationship (alleged bigamy)
- Extramarital relationships
- Physical assault and verbal abuse, including casteist remarks
- Forging her signatures on company documents to remove her from directorship positions
- An alleged conspiracy to harm her, supported by what she described as an audio recording
- Threats affecting her and her minor children’s safety
Police registered the case under multiple sections of the IPC (including criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, cruelty, and intimidation) and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. As of the latest updates on 16 October 2026, the investigation is underway. Arya was later admitted to a hospital in Dehradun for medical checks after her health deteriorated. Neither her husband nor the state government had issued a detailed public response at the time of writing. These remain allegations pending investigation.
Quick Facts Table: Rekha Arya and Her Husband
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name of Husband | Girdhari Lal Sahu (alias Pappu Girdhari) |
| Marriage Date | 6 July 2004 |
| Husband’s Hometown | Jogi Nawada, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh |
| Children | One daughter and two sons (as per reports) |
| Rekha Arya’s Position | Cabinet Minister, Women & Child Development, Uttarakhand; MLA Someshwar |
| Recent Development | FIR filed on 15 October 2026 in Dehradun |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing |
Conclusion
Rekha Arya’s husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight until the serious complaints filed in mid-October 2026. The story highlights both the personal challenges faced by public figures and the importance of legal processes. As the police investigation continues, more clarity may emerge. For readers following Uttarakhand politics or women’s issues in public life, this remains a developing situation worth watching with care and respect for due process.
Accurate, timely information helps everyone understand public figures better. Stay updated through reliable sources.