#Anurag Thakur bio

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Anurag Thakur: A Multifaceted Leader in Indian Politics and Cricket

Anurag Singh Thakur, a dynamic personality, has established himself as a significant figure in Indian politics and cricket. Representing Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, in the 17th Lok Sabha, Thakur's career is marked by a diverse array of roles ranging from an industrialist, farmer, cricket player, to a prominent political leader. His journey is a testament to his versatility and commitment to serving his country in multiple capacities.

Early Life and Education

Anurag Thakur was born on October 24, 1974, in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. He is the son of Prem Kumar Dhumal, a notable political figure, and Sheela Devi. Thakur's early education took place in Jalandhar, Punjab, where he attended Doaba College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, laying the academic foundation for his future endeavors in various fields.

Cricketing Career

Initial Foray into Cricket

Anurag Thakur's passion for cricket saw him participate in the Ranji Trophy in November 2000, representing Himachal Pradesh against Jammu and Kashmir. His involvement in cricket extended beyond playing; he also served as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) during the 2000-01 season. His leadership and participation in cricket were pivotal in meeting the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) prerequisites for state selectors, requiring participation in at least one first-class match.

Administrative Roles and Challenges

Thakur's administrative journey in cricket reached its zenith when he became the BCCI president in May 2016. His tenure, however, was cut short in January 2017 by a Supreme Court order due to issues related to compliance with court directives and providing false testimony. Despite the setback, Thakur's contributions to cricket administration were significant, particularly in navigating the legal challenges surrounding the ownership of the International Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala.

Political Career

Entry into Politics

Anurag Thakur's political career commenced in 2008 when he won a byelection to the 14th Lok Sabha, defeating Congress Party candidate O.P. Rattan with a substantial margin of 174,666 votes. This victory marked the beginning of a long and successful political journey.

Parliamentary Contributions

Thakur was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009, defeating Narinder Thakur of the Congress Party by 72,732 votes. During his tenure, he served on the Standing Committee on Transportation, Culture, and Tourism and was a member of the Prime Minister's consultation committee.

In the 2014 elections, Thakur secured his third term in the 16th Lok Sabha by defeating Rajinder Singh Rana of the Congress Party with a margin of 98,403 votes. His active participation in the General Purposes Committee and the Joint Committee on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition underscored his legislative acumen.

Continued Success

The 2019 elections saw Thakur re-elected to the 17th Lok Sabha, defeating INC rival Ram Lal Thakur with an overwhelming majority of over 300,000 votes. His appointment as a Minister of State in the Finance and Corporate Affairs division further solidified his role in shaping India's economic policies.

Military Service

Anurag Thakur made history by becoming the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member to be promoted to the rank of a regular commissioned officer in the Territorial Army in July 2016. This achievement highlighted his dedication to national service and added another dimension to his multifaceted career.

Personal Life

Anurag Thakur married Shefali Thakur on November 27, 2002. Shefali is the daughter of Gulab Singh Thakur, a former minister in the Himachal Pradesh government. Thakur's family background and personal life have been supportive pillars in his illustrious career.

Awards and Recognitions

Thakur's contributions have been recognized with several awards. In 2011, he was honored with the Best Young Parliamentarian Award, acknowledging his dynamic role as one of India's youngest parliamentarians. In 2019, he received the Sansad Ratna Award for his exceptional work during the 16th Lok Sabha term.

Controversies and Statements

Anurag Thakur's political career has not been without controversies. In January 2020, he faced criticism for echoing a provocative statement at a BJP gathering. Additionally, his interaction with the media has sometimes been contentious, notably on March 1, 2020, when he accused the media of misinformation regarding certain issues.

Conclusion

Anurag Thakur's journey from a cricketer to a prominent political leader and military officer showcases a remarkable blend of talent, dedication, and resilience. His diverse career, marked by significant achievements and challenges, reflects his commitment to serving India in various capacities. As he continues to shape the future of Indian politics and cricket, Thakur's multifaceted legacy will inspire many for years to come.