Early Life and Education
Anurag Singh Thakur was born on October 24, 1974, in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. He is the son of Prem Kumar Dhumal, a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Thakur completed his early education in Hamirpur and later graduated from Doaba College, Jalandhar. He has a keen interest in sports, particularly cricket, which he pursued actively during his youth.
Political Career
Anurag Thakur embarked on his political journey following in his father’s footsteps. He became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Hamirpur in 2008. Since then, he has been re-elected five times, showcasing his stronghold in the constituency.
In Parliament, Thakur has served in various capacities, including Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT and Member of the Public Accounts Committee. He also became the youngest Chief Whip of the BJP in the Lok Sabha during the 16th Lok Sabha (Anurag Thakur) (Hindustan Times).
Ministerial Positions
Anurag Thakur has held several significant ministerial positions. He served as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs from 2019 to 2021. Later, he was appointed as the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports.
Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs (2019-2021)1
Minister for Information and Broadcasting (2021-2024)1
Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (2021-2024)1
Major Achievements
Thakur’s tenure as a minister has been marked by several achievements:
- Information & Broadcasting: He launched various initiatives to promote Indian cinema and digital content globally. He also played a crucial role in implementing reforms in the media sector to ensure transparency and efficiency.
- Youth Affairs & Sports: Thakur spearheaded programs to promote sports culture among youth, including the Khelo India initiative, which aims to encourage sports at the grassroots level. He also organized the Himachal Pradesh State Olympic Games to foster sportsmanship among young athletes (Anurag Thakur).
Key Political Initiatives
Thakur has been an advocate for various developmental projects in his constituency and beyond:
- TB Free India Initiative: He organized summits and awareness campaigns to combat tuberculosis, aligning with the national goal of eliminating TB by 2025.
- Digital India: As Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, he has been a strong proponent of digital transformation in governance (Anurag Thakur).
- Key Political Initiatives
- Introduction of new trains and extension of rail links to Himachal Pradesh.
- Building premier technical institutes and a central university in Himachal Pradesh.
- Extension and maintenance of national highways in the state.
Contributions
Anurag Thakur’s contributions extend beyond his ministerial duties:
- Cricket Administration: He served as the President of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His tenure saw significant improvements in cricket infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, including the development of the Dharamsala Cricket Stadium.
- Anurag Thakur has significantly contributed to his constituency and the nation through various socio-economic initiatives. Notably, the launch of Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swastha Seva has enhanced healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
Social Media
Personal Life
Anurag Thakur is married to Shefali Thakur, and they have two sons. His family background in politics has significantly influenced his career path.
Controversies
Anurag Thakur recently sparked a political storm in the Lok Sabha with his remarks about Rahul Gandhi’s caste. During a heated debate, Thakur’s comments were perceived as a veiled attack on Gandhi, who has been advocating for a caste-based census. The remarks led to significant protests from the Opposition, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha. The controversy escalated when Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared Thakur’s speech on social media, leading to a privilege motion against him.(Business Standard)
Hate Speech Allegations
In January 2020, Anurag Thakur faced significant backlash for allegedly inciting violence during a political rally. He was accused of leading chants that were perceived as inflammatory and provocative1. The Election Commission of India temporarily banned him from campaigning as a result. (Hindustan Times)
Allegations of Misuse of Power
Anurag Thakur has also been accused of misusing his position for personal gain. In 2017, he was removed from his position as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by the Supreme Court of India for failing to implement reforms.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Anurag Thakur is seen as a dynamic leader with a promising future in Indian politics. His contributions to sports, youth affairs, and digital governance have cemented his reputation as an effective and progressive leader.
Promises and Future Commitments
Anurag Thakur has made several commitments to his constituents and the nation:
- Development Projects: He has promised to continue developing infrastructure in Hamirpur and improving the quality of life for his constituents. (The Statesman)
- Sports Development and Infrastructure: As the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur has significantly contributed to enhancing India’s sports infrastructure. He launched the Khelo India Youth Games and supported athletes’ development through various schemes. The government allocated substantial funds to upgrade sports facilities and encourage youth participation in sports. (The Hindu)
- Digital and Startup Ecosystem: Under his tenure, India saw a rise in the startup ecosystem. India became the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. The “Make in India” and “Digital India” initiatives have been pivotal in promoting self-reliance and innovation.(EconomicTimes)
- Cultural and Educational Initiatives: Thakur has also focused on preserving cultural heritage and promoting educational advancements. He unveiled the Government of India Calendar 2024, which showcases achievements in various sectors, emphasizing themes like women empowerment, youth development, and agricultural policies (ETV Bharat News).
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