The Newz Radar
MANDI: Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his roles. Having represented Hamirpur in Parliament for four consecutive terms and fielded now for fifth election, he has a distinguished political lineage, with his father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, having served as the Chief Minister of the state for two terms.
Thakur’s journey in politics began early, and he has swiftly risen through the ranks, previously serving as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs during the first term of Prime Minister Modi’s tenure. A graduate of Doaba College in Punjab’s Jalandhar, he has always maintained strong ties to his roots, having completed his schooling in Jalandhar as well.
Within Parliament, Thakur has assumed significant responsibilities, including chairing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT and serving as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, such as being appointed as the chief whip of Lok Sabha during the 16th Lok Sabha, where he became the youngest to hold the position.
Beyond his political commitments, Thakur’s passion for sports shines through his role as a sports administrator. He has made significant contributions to cricket, having served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA). Under his leadership, several stadiums, including the one in Dharamsala, were developed, enhancing the state’s sporting infrastructure.
Thakur’s dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades he has received, including the Sansad Ratan Award, Champions of Change 2019 Award, and recognition as a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum. As he prepares to contest the 2024 General Election as the BJP candidate for the Hamirpur constituency, Thakur’s commitment to serving his constituents and promoting the interests of Himachal Pradesh remains unwavering, cementing his status as a dynamic and influential leader in Indian politics and sports.
