Early Life and Education
Hitendra Vishnu Thakur was born on October 3, 1961, in Virar, Maharashtra, India. He hails from a middle-class Hindu family originally from Palghar. Thakur completed his schooling in Virar and later graduated from Vartak College in Vasai. During his college years, he was elected as the general secretary of the student council.
Political Career
Thakur began his political journey in 1988 when he was elected as the President of the Vasai Taluka Youth Congress.
In the 1990 Maharashtra State Assembly elections, he won as an MLA for Vasai-Virar from the Indian National Congress at the age of 29.
Later, he formed his own political party named Vasai Vikas Mandal, which eventually became Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA). Thakur has won three subsequent elections under the BVA banner.
His political party, BVA, currently holds a majority in the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), Vasai Taluka Panchayat Samiti, and various Gram Panchayats in the region.
Thakur played a crucial role in helping Vasant Davkhare become the Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council three times and supported Govinda (the Bollywood star) in winning the Mumbai North seat in the 2004 General elections.
Major Achievements
Hitendra Thakur’s tenure as an MLA has been marked by several significant achievements. He has been instrumental in driving infrastructure development in the Vasai-Virar region, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public facilities. His efforts have also extended to improving healthcare, education, and sanitation in the area.
One of his notable achievements is the establishment of a strong grassroots network, which has enabled BVA to maintain a stronghold in local elections. His ability to connect with the local populace and address their concerns has been a key factor in his sustained political success.
Key Political Initiatives
Thakur’s key political initiatives have centered around the development of the Vasai-Virar region. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Bahujan community and has consistently pushed for policies that benefit the marginalized sections of society. His initiatives include promoting affordable housing, improving public transportation, and enhancing civic amenities.
Controversy
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on premises owned by Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur’s Viva group in connection with the Yes Bank and PMC Bank scam. Officials uncovered a money trail linking Pravin Raut to the Thakur family, leading to raids at six locations, including Mira Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar. The investigation relates to PMC Bank’s loans to HDIL despite previous defaults. (Business World)
During an Independence Day event, Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur publicly criticized Vasai-Virar Municipal Commissioner Anil Kumar Pawar, accusing him of three and a half years of administrative failure. Thakur’s outburst occurred after the flag hoisting ceremony, where he expressed frustration over issues like health, water shortages, and traffic congestion. He aggressively questioned the Commissioner’s leadership, even threatening him, and dismissed responses from other officials. The incident has sparked controversy, with no official response from the Municipal Commissioner or other officials. (FPJ)
Social Media
Personal Life
Hitendra Thakur is married to Pravina Thakur, who is also actively involved in the business and social sectors. The Thakur family is well-known in the Vasai-Virar region, and they have maintained a significant influence in local affairs.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Hitendra Thakur’s legacy is one of dedication to his community and a relentless pursuit of development. His influence in the Vasai-Virar region is likely to continue, with his son Kshitij Thakur also entering politics and representing the next generation of leadership in the BVA.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Hitendra Thakur, along with A. Rajesh Patil and newly elected MLA Niranjan Dawkhare, met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other key ministers to address pending issues and development projects in Palghar district.
MLA Hitendra Thakur recently met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to distribute funds from the Chief Minister’s Aid Fund to those in need. During the meeting, they also discussed various development projects in the taluka.
In a meeting with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, MLA Hitendra Thakur secured the approval to extend the multi-modal corridor project from Naigaon to Virar. This extension will enhance connectivity, linking key parts of the city.
Videos and Interviews
