Rita Bahuguna Joshi (born 22 July 1949) is an Indian politician and was cabinet minister in the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

She is the daughter of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, a former chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

She is also a recipient of a United Nations Award of Excellence as being among the "Most Distinguished Women Mayor in South Asia".

[6] On 16 July 2009, she was detained for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

[8] Joshi's speech was about the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and the increasing number of rapes in the state.

They were taking part in an agitation staged by the local farmers condemning the state government policies.

A top police officer of the range confirmed their detention to the media adding that they were about to produce the trio to a local court on the following working day.

Mrs. Rita Bahuguna has worked in the favour of Indian women as the President of All India Mahila Congress from 2003 to 2008.