Early Life and Education
Prashant Thakur was born on August 5, 1974, in Panvel, Maharashtra. He is the son of Ramsheth Changu Thakur, a former Member of Parliament, and Shakuntala Thakur. Prashant started studying civil engineering but left after his second year. He is married to Varsha Thakur and they have two children.
Political Career
Prashant Thakur began his political journey with the Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWP) before joining the Indian National Congress (INC). He later switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Panvel constituency in 2009 and has been re-elected in subsequent elections.
Infrastructure Development: He has been instrumental in various infrastructure projects in Panvel, including road construction and public amenities.
Chairman of CIDCO: Prashant Thakur served as the Chairman of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), where he played a significant role in urban development projects.
Major Achievements
Prashant Thakur has taken bold steps in his political career, living up to his promises made to the people of Panvel. In a significant move, he resigned from his MLA position when the state government did not fulfill its promise to exempt local residents from the Panvel toll. His decision to step down over this issue showcases his dedication to standing up for his constituents and holding the government accountable. Additionally, he has actively participated in various community activities, including celebrating important cultural events and organizing workshops for the unemployed youth, indicating his dedication to community welfare
Key Political Initiatives
His initiatives encompass a wide range of activities aimed at community development. These include establishing the Mahila Bachat Gat (Women’s Savings Group), organizing processions for significant cultural events, conducting block-wise youth membership drives, providing assistance to obtain loans under the Prime Minister Rojgar Yojana, and establishing self-help groups for women. He has also worked toward providing immediate medical help to accident victims and fostering economic opportunities for tribal families by distributing goats.
MLA Prashant Thakur organized a meeting at CIDCO Bhavan with key officials and local representatives to address water supply issues in the Kharghar, Kamothe, Kalamboli, and Panvel areas. Various topics were discussed to find effective solutions and improve water distribution in these regions.
Controversy
PWP leader Vivek Patil accused BJP MLA Prashant Thakur and his family of acquiring CIDCO land illegally for projects in Ulwe and Kalamboli. Patil announced plans to file a PIL for an impartial probe. Ramseth Thakur, Prashant’s father, denied the allegations, claiming all land dealings were legal and accusing PWP of a smear campaign.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life
While his political career is in the spotlight, Prashant Thakur maintains a private personal life, focusing on his work and the welfare of his constituents.
Promises and Future Commitments
MLA Prashant Thakur addressed the long-standing drinking water issue in Newali village by connecting a new water channel. Recently, he inaugurated a water tank and electricity channel in the village, resolving the water and electricity supply problems. This initiative has brought relief and happiness to the villagers. During the event, Thakur assured the community that other local issues would also be resolved in the future.
MLA Prashant Thakur supported the initiative to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as ‘People’s Leader Ba. Patil International Airport.’ A delegation from the All Party Action Committee met with the Minister of State for Civil Aviation in New Delhi, where a detailed discussion took place regarding the airport’s naming.
Videos and Interviews