Politician Devesh Thakur: Devesh Chandra Thakur, a name that has become a symbol of simplicity, experience and determination in Bihar politics. Janata Dal United (JDU) leader and currently MP from Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat, Thakur not only achieved many places of success in his political life, but also gave priority to public service and social concerns. There was a time when he started his journey from student politics and today he has become the voice of his region in Parliament. On the occasion of his birthday on July 3, let’s know about his family life, political journey, election struggle and achievements –
Birth and early life
Devesh Chandra Thakur was born on 3 July 1953 in Dumra village of Sitamarhi district of Bihar. His childhood was spent in an ordinary family. His father Late Awadh Thakur was an educated and social person, while mother Rambha Devi was a religious and dedicated housewife. He received his early education from St. Xavier’s School in Hazaribagh. He then went to study at Sainik School in Nashik. The qualities of discipline and leadership here formulated a solid basis in his personality. For higher education, he did his BA Honors from the prestigious Ferguson College in Pune. Subsequently, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in law from ILS Law College in Pune.
family life
Devesh Chandra Thakur was married to Rita Thakur on 4 March 1971. The couple has also been active in social work and Rita Thakur has always been a partner in Devesh ji’s political life. The image of his family is still considered a decent and simplicity in the society.
From student life to politics
Devesh Chandra Thakur laid the foundation of his political life in student politics. He contested the student union while studying at Pune University. He also became the vice president of Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress and during this time he worked with strong leaders like Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde. Despite being active in politics, he was also a director in a shipping company for a few years and traveled to about 25 countries during this period, which also gave him global thinking and experience.
Beginning of political career
Devesh Thakur contested from Bathnaha seat in Sitamarhi as a candidate of Indian National Congress in the Bihar Assembly elections in 1990. Although he could not win and finished third, the same election was the first step of his political career.
Long term in the Legislative Council
In 2002, Thakur contested the Bihar Legislative Council as an independent candidate from Tirhut Graduate Constituency and won. This seat consists of four districts, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and Shivhar.
In 2008, he won the seat again and elected four times by 2020 and earned the trust of the people of the region. Due to this durability and popularity, he was also called ‘Ajatashatru of Tirhut’.
Role as Minister and Legislative Council Speaker
Devesh Thakur was made the Speaker of Bihar Legislative Council on the strength of his popularity and organizational experience. While in this post, he played an important role in running the proceedings of the council smoothly.
Apart from this, he was also a cabinet minister in the Disaster Management Department of the Government of Bihar. During this time he effectively implemented schemes and relief tasks to deal with natural disasters.
Role of national spokesperson
Janata Dal United appointed Thakur’s merit and resolved speech. While in this post, he put the party’s side firmly in various national forums and media debates.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024- Historic victory
In the 2024 general election, Devesh Chandra Thakur contested from Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat and reached the Lok Sabha for the first time by defeating Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Arjun Rai by a margin of 51,356 votes. This victory was historic in many ways.
For the first time he became a Lok Sabha member. This seat had been in possession of the opposition for many years. This was an important victory for Janata Dal United. However, a controversy also arose after the election, when Thakur said that ‘they would not work for Muslims and Yadavs as they did not vote for them.’ The statement was criticized by RJD leader Misa Bharti, while BJP leader Giriraj Singh supported. Later Thakur publicly withdrew his statement.
Current posts and responsibilities
Currently Devesh Chandra Thakur is a Lok Sabha MP from Sitamarhi and is considered one of the senior representatives of Janata Dal United in Parliament. His participation in Parliament, activeness in the region and his sensitivity on social issues make him an influential leader.
Social concerns and contribution
Devesh Thakur is not only a political leader, but also a sensitive public representative. He has always played an active role on issues like education, disaster relief, unemployment, health and rural development. He launched several schemes on subjects like development of schools in rural areas, construction of toilets, electricity and water availability. While being the Minister of Disaster Management, ensured quick relief work in disasters like floods, earthquakes.
Personality and working style
He is known as a disciplined, studying and visionary leader.
There is clarity in their speech and they keep their thoughts feel free.
He speaks his point with facts in Parliament or in the media. Devesh Chandra Thakur’s life is a proof that any person can not only get success in politics with dedication, education and commitment, but can also bring change in society. His visit from student politics to Lok Sabha is inspiring. He is not only among the leaders of Sitamarhi but also among the leaders of Bihar from whom the youth takes inspiration even today.
Today, when they have become the voice of the people in Parliament, it is expected that they will contribute significantly to the development of the region and the state on the strength of their experiences, knowledge and public support.
