Anurag Thakur

Anurag Thakur

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Minister of Information & Broadcasting, India
Birth DetailsOctober 24, 1974 | Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
NationalityIndian
LeaguePolitician
EducationB.A., Doaba College, Jalandhar, Punjab
Anurag Thakur’s Journey so far ...
  • Anurag Thakur was elected as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in 2000. He retained the post for four consecutive terms
  • He has served as the national president of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP)’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, for seven years
  • Thakur became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in 2008 after winning the Lok Sabha by-election from the Hamirpur constituency in Himachal Pradesh
  • He was re-elected for a second term to the Lower House of Parliament in 2009. During this time, he was a member of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, and a member of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power
  • Thakur’s third term in the Lok Sabha began in May 2014. In this term, he served on the Business Advisory Committee, Committee on Public Accounts, and the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as a member. He was later appointed as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information Technology. He also worked as a member of the General Purposes Committee and a Joint Committee on Land Acquisition
  • In May 2016, Thakur was elected to the Board of Control for Cricket in India as its president
  • He was elected for a fourth term in the Lok Sabha in 2019 and was appointed as the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  • In 2019, he was honoured with the Sansad Ratna Award for his contributions as a parliamentarian
  • In May 2021, Thakur became the first serving MP to be appointed as a Captain in the Territorial Army as a regular commissioned officer
  • During the 2021 Cabinet reshuffle, Thakur was given charge as the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Minister of Information & Broadcasting

Before you go ...
  • He is the son of the former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal
  • At the age of 25, Thakur was the youngest person to be elected as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association
  • As the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, he was the first to have held the position during the term of three different BJP presidents — Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari
  • Thakur is also the first active Member of Parliament to have been promoted as a Captain in the Territorial Army. He was inducted into the Army after clearing the SSB exam and was commissioned into the Territorial Army as a Lieutenant in 2016
  • A cricket enthusiast, he is also widely credited for developing the one-of-its-kind Dharamshala stadium. He has also played first-class cricket when he was younger

Last Updated: 26/10/2021

Anurag Thakur News

  • Anurag Thakur strongly defended the Union budget in Lok Sabha. He described it as beneficial for all and a roadmap for Viksit Bharat. Thakur rejected the notion of a 'dead economy' and highlighted the government's commitment to long-term asset creation. He pointed to increased capital expenditure and expansion in health infrastructure as key achievements.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that maintaining Parliament's dignity is non-negotiable and did not rule out "exemplary punishment" for the alleged use of an e-cigarette in the House. He emphasized that no one has the right to undermine the sanctity of the House, and action will be taken according to rules and procedures after an investigation.
  • "One state in India has become a symbol of anti-Sanatan Dharma," Thakur alleged in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour. "Their ministers are making statements against Sanatan Dharma. They objected when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing his duties for the Ram temple."
  • BJP MP Anurag Thakur has lodged a written complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding action against a TMC lawmaker for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette inside the House. Thakur stated the act violated parliamentary decorum and laws, urging an inquiry and disciplinary proceedings to uphold the House's sanctity.
  • BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi for their absence during Prime Minister Modi's address on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha. Thakur accused the Congress of being afraid of the national song, linking their absence to historical instances of perceived disrespect.
  • Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has criticized Anurag Thakur's claim about Hanuman's space travel. She questioned Thakur's remarks made during National Space Day. Kanimozhi emphasized the importance of science over mythology in education. She highlighted the need to nurture curiosity in young minds. The exchange has ignited a debate on the role of beliefs in education.
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly refuted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's accusations of vote theft by the BJP, labeling Gandhi a "serial liar." Fadnavis stated that these false claims are merely a way for opposition leaders to comfort themselves after electoral defeats.
  • Opposition parties may move to impeach Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This action follows allegations of vote theft. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said the party is ready to use all democratic tools. CEC Gyanesh Kumar refuted claims made by Rahul Gandhi. He asked Gandhi for an affidavit or an apology. Kiren Rijiju urged opposition parties not to disrupt Parliament.
  • Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the Election Commission, accusing it of colluding with PM Modi and Amit Shah in "vote theft." He alleges a 2023 law protects election commissioners from accountability and claims 6.5 million votes were deleted in Bihar to benefit Adani and Ambani.
  • Congress refuted BJP's allegations of election fraud in Opposition leaders' constituencies, claiming it validates their charge of widespread irregularities. They questioned how BJP quickly accessed electronic voter data, alleging an ECI-BJP connection. Rahul Gandhi urged youth support for a march against electoral roll revisions in Bihar, further fueling the controversy surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
  • Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to introduce the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, alongside amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022. The bill aims to promote sports development, ethical practices, and effective dispute resolution. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will propose amendments to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
  • Anurag Thakur stated that Operation Sindoor significantly impacted Pakistan's air force. He highlighted India's zero tolerance towards terrorism under PM Modi. The operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack. India acted strategically and independently. Parliament saw debates over the attack and Operation Sindoor. The opposition demanded discussions on various issues. They also sought PM Modi's response to claims regarding a ceasefire.
  • IOA President PT Usha has formed a three-member Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the delayed BFI elections and propose a fair election roadmap. This action follows a Sports Ministry request and Usha's meeting with World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst.
  • Underlining the delegation's united front, Supriya Sule said, "For us, the country comes first, state second, party third and then our family. We come here as a team of all parties. For me, ours is a heavyweight delegation, as most have served as ministers in important departments..."
  • An all-party Indian delegation visited South Africa, rallying expatriates and local Indians against terrorism, specifically citing Pakistan's alleged role. The delegation emphasized India's commitment to peace but vowed zero tolerance after the Pahalgam attack, which they described as an assault on India's soul. They are seeking global consensus against terrorism, highlighting India's historical support for South Africa's fight against apartheid.
  • Anurag Thakur condemned Pakistan for instigating border unrest, warning of its potential obliteration if such actions persist. The BJP in Shimla demanded the identification and repatriation of Pakistani residents, staging protests against the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
  • Following Ajay Rai's criticism of the Central government's response to the Pahalgam attack, Anurag Thakur retorted that the Congress party has become a joke, referencing Rahul Gandhi's past Supreme Court rebuke on the Rafale issue. Thakur emphasized the global condemnation of Pakistan and the government's promise of a fitting response.
  • A Shimla Municipal Court has ordered the demolition of the remaining two floors of the Sanjauli mosque, citing illegal construction and lack of ownership documentation. BJP MP Anurag Thakur supported the decision, alleging that the Waqf Board failed to provide proof of land ownership and that similar undocumented land occupations by the Waqf Board exist nationwide.
  • BJP leader Anurag Thakur hailed the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill as transformative and in the national interest, citing potential savings in time and money. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is set to begin all-state visits starting with Maharashtra on May 17 to gather opinions. The JPC is also launching a website for public input, ensuring transparency.
  • Following Tahawwur Rana's extradition from the US, BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress regime, alleging inaction during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He credited Prime Minister Modi for bringing back criminals like Rana, while the NIA seeks a 20-day remand for Rana, accused of conspiring in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166.
  • Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, refuted Anurag Thakur's allegations against him, which were later withdrawn as baseless. Kharge demanded an apology and Thakur's resignation if he fails to substantiate his claims, emphasizing the damage to his reputation.
  • BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised concerns over alleged Congress involvement in the 2012 Karnataka Waqf Board land scam during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He called the bill an 'Umeed' for empowerment and reform of the Waqf Board.
  • Anurag Thakur's disqualification from the Boxing Federation of India's presidential election was stayed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, allowing him to represent Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association and contest the March 28 polls. The court found the March 7 disqualification order by BFI President Ajay Singh unauthorised and directed BFI to extend the nomination date.
  • Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed faced backlash for calling Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma "fat" and "unimpressive." After deleting her tweet, she highlighted an old critical tweet from BJP MP Kangana Ranaut about Sharma. The controversy has sparked political debate, with BJP and Congress accusing each other of double standards regarding comments made by their members.
  • Senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur stated that India never harbored ill will towards Pakistan but highlighted that Pakistan destabilized itself with its hostility. Thakur also discussed the controversy over the USAID funding aimed at boosting voter turnout in India, and appreciated the Modi government's efforts for India’s development.
  • Virat Kohli's composed century led India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. Former sports minister Anurag Thakur and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla praised Kohli's ability to handle pressure, prioritize the team's success, and provide stability, lauding his exceptional performance.
  • BJP's Anurag Thakur labeled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as an 'urban Naxal' and accused him of disrespecting Constitutional bodies. Thakur criticized Gandhi for refusing to accept electoral outcomes and compared his alleged anarchistic tendencies to those of Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that such behavior would not be accepted by the public.
  • Former Union minister Anurag Thakur and his wife took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. They offered prayers and Thakur expressed his hopes for blessings from the holy rivers to bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.
  • BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused AAP and Congress of betraying and looting Delhi, claiming the treasury is at a loss. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for avoiding Delhi elections and accused Kejriwal of demanding excessive security. The upcoming elections see 699 candidates competing for 70 Assembly seats, with AAP previously winning most seats.
  • BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for worsening the city's air quality over the past years. He claimed that the BJP would ensure cleaner roads, water, and air once the AAP government is ousted in the upcoming Delhi polls.
  • Senior BJP MP Anurag Thakur said that BJP's policies reflect Dr. BR Ambedkar's ideologies, emphasising the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code to ensure equality. He criticised Congress for amending the Constitution for political gains and accused them of disrespecting Ambedkar's contributions throughout history.
  • The parliamentary panel began reviewing two bills on simultaneous elections. BJP members support the 'one nation, one election' proposal, while opposition MPs raised concerns about its constitutional impact. The joint committee, led by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, includes 39 members from various parties, reflecting broad interest in the bills.
  • A 39-member parliamentary panel will examine two bills proposing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The committee, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, includes prominent figures like Anurag Thakur, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sambit Patra. The panel will report its findings by the next session's end.
  • The government has expanded the parliamentary committee reviewing the "one nation, one election" bills. Membership has increased from 31 to 39 MPs, including representatives from Shiv Sena (UBT), CPI(M), and LJP, along with additional BJP and SP members. The committee will examine the two bills, one of which proposes a constitutional amendment.
  • Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the party was pained at the treatment meted out to its tribal MP from Nagaland, S Phangnon Konya, who alleged in the Rajya Sabha that Gandhi shouted at her after coming in "close proximity" that made her feel uncomfortable during a demonstration outside Parliament's Makar Dwar.
  • Members of Parliament participated in a friendly cricket match at Delhi's Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday to raise awareness for a TB-free India. The match, featuring Lok Sabha Speaker XI and Rajya Sabha Chairman XI, highlighted the government's commitment to eradicating tuberculosis by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030.
  • DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raised concerns in Raja Sabha about his party colleague facing questioning by security. Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur is organizing a cricket match between MPs to promote a drug-free India. Gujarat Congress Seva Dal president sparked controversy with remarks about BJP's social composition, drawing criticism from within his party.
  • BJP leader Anurag Thakur criticizes Congress governance in Himachal Pradesh. Thakur says Congress made many promises but did not keep them. He says Congress promised subsidized power, financial aid for women, and job creation. Thakur says none of these promises were fulfilled. He urges people to vote for BJP for honest governance and progress.
  • BJP leader Anurag Thakur has called for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation following a court order directing an investigation into corruption allegations against him in the Mysore Urban Development Authority scam. The case involves alleged illegal allotment of sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife. Thakur emphasized the need for an impartial investigation.
  • BJP leader Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for its financial policies, accusing it of prioritizing political appointments over state employees' salaries. Thakur urged people to join the BJP during a membership drive in Hamirpur district, highlighting the party's commitment to serving the nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
  • BJP MP Nishikant Dubey addressed Anurag Thakur's caste remarks against Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. He stated that the Congress leader doesn't have a caste and apologised on Thakur's behalf. Dubey criticised the Congress for advocating a nationwide caste census and alleged that the party opposes reservation for OBCs while aiming to introduce reservations for Christians and Muslims. Thakur's comments sparked a contentious exchange between opposition and treasury members.
  • The Congress party has filed a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s expunged remarks on social media. The remarks, which included a reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s caste, led to significant controversy. The Congress argues that Modi's action undermines parliamentary rules and demands a review of the breach of privilege.
  • Participating in the discussion on the Union Budget, Union Minister Anurag Thakur had made certain remarks on Tuesday that were expunged from the proceedings of the House. His apparent reference about Gandhi's caste during the discussion had caused a massive uproar in the Lower House. The Lok Sabha witnessed noisy scenes on Wednesday as the Opposition members sought an apology from Thakur over his remarks on Gandhi and persisted with their demand for a caste census.
  • Anurag Thakur's comments ignited a fierce debate in the House. In response, Rahul Gandhi stated that the abuse and insults directed at him stem from his advocacy for the marginalised and oppressed.
  • Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party criticized BJP MP Anurag Thakur's caste-related comments in Parliament. Yadav shared his own experiences with caste discrimination and questioned the appropriateness of asking about someone's caste. The debate intensified when Thakur made references to Rahul Gandhi’s caste, sparking a heated discussion in the Lok Sabha.
  • Congress criticized Anurag Thakur's Budget speech as unconstitutional and abusive, targeting Prime Minister Modi for promoting it on X. Thakur's remarks about Rahul Gandhi's caste sparked a contentious debate in Parliament. Congress accused the BJP-RSS of casteism and deemed the act a serious breach of parliamentary privilege.
  • BJP's Anurag Thakur criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, calling him an 'accidental Hindu' with limited Mahabharata knowledge. Thakur listed historical flaws attributed to the Congress party and praised the Modi government for economic advancements. Gandhi earlier criticized the Union Budget, alleging it created an atmosphere of fear and neglect among farmers, workers, and youth.
  • During a heated debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, BJP leader Anurag Thakur made apparent remarks on Rahul Gandhi's caste, leading to a confrontation between opposition and treasury benches. Gandhi refused to seek an apology. Thakur criticised Gandhi's speeches as scripted by "Uncle Sam" and attacked Congress PMs. Tharoor clarified Thakur's misunderstanding of satire in his book. Akhilesh Yadav criticised Thakur's remarks on caste.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended BJP leader Anurag Thakur's Lok Sabha speech, calling it a "must hear" for its mix of facts and humor. Thakur countered Rahul Gandhi's speech by referencing Congress scams and questioned Gandhi's stance. Modi also praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's detailed response to the budget discussion.
  • Rahul Gandhi vs Anurag Thakur: BJP MP Anurag Thakur attacked Congress and Rahul Gandhi, rebutting charges on topics like Chakravyuh, Halwa, reservation, Agniveer, and MSP. Thakur compared PM Modi to Abhimanyu and criticized past Congress scams and reservation policies. Rahul Gandhi responded, refusing to apologize and pledging to complete the caste census if in power. Thakur's remarks led to heated exchanges in Lok Sabha.
  • Thakur retorted by highlighting his own military service, "I have served as a captain. Akhilesh ji, don't just preach. Sitting with Rahul Gandhi has made you accustomed to spreading rumours and lies." In a final rebuttal, Yadav suggested that Thakur's defensiveness stemmed from political insecurity.
  • Akhilesh Yadav mocked BJP's internal conflict in Uttar Pradesh's budget session, referencing tensions between Yogi Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya. The Samajwadi Party leader highlighted a video where CM Yogi didn't greet PM Modi, indicating strained relations. This comes in the wake of BJP's reduced seat count in recent elections.
  • Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has nominated 14 members for the Parliament's business advisory committee, effective July 18. The committee will recommend discussion times for government business and suggest topics for House debate. The next session starts July 22, with the budget presented on July 23.
  • Congress MP raises concerns over alleged 'inaccurate' statements by PM Modi and BJP MP in Lok Sabha speeches. Disputes include claims on Congress vote share, Army equipment, poverty reduction. Both parties seek action against each other. Tensions escalate in the House.
  • During Monday's Lok Sabha session, NDA MPs defended government policies in response to the motion of thanks to the President's Address, while the Opposition countered. BJP MP Anurag Thakur initiated the discussion by highlighting the Opposition's stance against the Constitution. He congratulated Rahul Gandhi on becoming Leader of the Opposition, emphasising the need for responsibility over power. Opposition MPs protested as Thakur criticised Gandhi's absence during important sessions.
  • Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading violence and hatred against minorities, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. In his maiden speech as LoP, Gandhi alleged that the BJP was spreading fear among every section of society and that small and medium businesses, which are the backbone of India's employment, have been blown away by a flawed GST and demonetisation.
  • While congratulating Rahul Gandhi on becoming the Leader of Opposition, Anurag Thakur said the Congress leader now has power with responsibility and "absentee landlordism will not work". For the last many years, Gandhi was enjoying power without responsibility, Thakur said and asserted that it was an "agnipariksha" for the Congress leader now.
  • Parliament will witness heated debates on various issues like the NEET paper leak, the Agnipath initiative, and inflation as both houses reconvene on Monday. The opposition is also expected to raise concerns about unemployment. In the Lok Sabha, Anurag Thakur will lead the debate on the Motion of Thanks, seconded by Bansuri Swaraj. The Rajya Sabha debate, initiated by Sudhanshu Trivedi, highlighted Modi's leadership compared to Nehru. Opposition members have protested for a dedicated discussion on the NEET issue.
  • The debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is expected to be dominated by issues like exam paper leaks. The opposition has emerged stronger in the recent general elections, and the government is committed to investigating the incidents. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan could intervene in the debate on the alleged leaked medical entrance exam NEET-UG.
  • Ashwini Vaishnaw has been appointed as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) in India. He was presented with a bouquet and a tree sapling by the Ministry staff. Vaishnaw thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity and expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's decisions dedicated to the poor and farmers. He has been assigned portfolios as Minister of Railways and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.
  • Mansukh Mandaviya, the newly appointed sports minister of India, emerged victorious in the Porbandar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, defeating Lalit Vasoya from the Congress party. Mandaviya, aged 52, also assumed responsibilities for the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers in the recent cabinet reshuffle. He previously served as the union health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking over from Dr Harsh Vardhan.
  • Outgoing Union Minister Anurag Thakur, not included in the new BJP-led NDA government's ministerial list, vowed to continue working as a BJP member and support PM Modi's vision for India's development. Reelected to the Lok Sabha from Hamirpur, Thakur expressed confidence in Modi's leadership to drive India's progress.
  • BJP wins all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh. Anurag Thakur, Kangana Ranaut, and Rajiv Bharadwaj emerge victorious in the elections.
  • BJP is poised for a third consecutive victory in Himachal Pradesh, with all four candidates leading in their constituencies. Notable contests include Anurag Thakur in Hamirpur and Kangana Ranaut in Mandi. Congress faces setbacks, with Anand Sharma trailing. The by-polls reflect voter sentiments towards Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
  • The Supreme Court's Registry on Wednesday said that the apex court's previous order gave Kejriwal the liberty to move the trial court for regular bail. The top court had on May 10 had granted interim bail to the Delhi Chief Minister till June 1 to campaign for Lok Sabha election and asked him to surrender on June 2.
  • In the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, stakes are high for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur. Thakur, a four-time winner, faces a challenge from Congress's Satpal Singh Raizada. The BJP has traditionally dominated the seat, winning 10 out of 17 elections since 1952. Local issues, the Agniveer scheme, and unemployment are major campaign points.
  • Stakes are high for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur in the exciting Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur aims for a fifth term against Congress' Satpal Singh Raizada. Issues like Agniveer scheme, ex-servicemen concerns, unemployment, and political dynamics shape the electoral landscape for the upcoming polls on June 1.
  • In an interview with ET during his campaign, Thakur said soaring heat seems to have contributed to low voter turnout. One doesn't see much enthusiasm in the Opposition cadres, he said, adding that the morale of Congress and Opposition workers is not high at all. That is why they "are not turning up to caste votes".
  • Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth and Sports Affairs, Anurag Singh Thakur, on Sunday called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's rally in Una as a flop show, asserting that all of his guarantees are mere "lies".
  • Speaking to on Sunday, the senior BJP leader said, "There was a record tourist footfall in Kashmir last year, with the number of visitors estimated at 1,70,00,000. Hence, at a time when tourism is looking up and local businesses and livelihoods are booming, the attack was aimed at bringing back the dark days of terror in the region. It was intended to hurt the tourism prospects at a time when there is prosperity all around in Kashmir. I strongly suspect Pakistan to be behind this attack. However, the nefarious designs of people, who carry out terror hits in exchange for money and at the behest of their handlers (across the border) wouldn't succeed. Their bid to bring back the reign of terror in the Valley will never succeed."
  • Reacting sharply to reports of alleged assault on Maliwal, Union minister Anurag Thakur took a dig at the AAP saying, "Once known as Arvind Advertisements Party, it has now become the Arvind Assault Party, demonstrating the degradation of its founder Arvind Kejriwal and his associates."
  • Anurag Thakur assures BJP's victory in Himachal Pradesh, criticizing Congress, highlighting unkept promises, and showcasing strong public support through massive rallies and temple visits. The campaign gains momentum as elections approach.
  • Anurag Thakur referred to a recent report on India's demographic transition, questioning the insecurity of Muslims, whose population reportedly rose by 45%, and their equal access to welfare programs. Thakur dismissed opposition claims of BJP altering the Constitution or diminishing SC/ST/OBC reservations, accusing Congress of trying to divert these benefits to Muslims.
  • BJP's Ajay Alok criticizes ex-Punjab CM Channi for remarks on Poonch attack. Alok blames Congress for 'culture' of petty politics. Indian Air Force personnel killed. BJP leader Rinku demands apology. Union Minister Thakur condemns Congress. Security heightened in Poonch.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur, on Friday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for escaping the Amethi Lok Sabha seat and said that it is the fear of defeat that has made the Congress party take this step.
  • As the country goes to the polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Thakur says that BJP will secure beyond 400 and Congress will struggle for even 40 seats.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal for allegedly protecting 'anti-government forces' and aiding those committing crimes against women. He questioned why terrorists find refuge in the state and condemned CM Mamata Banerjee for overlooking corruption and atrocities. The NIA's recent arrests sparked a political clash.
  • Anurag Thakur slams AAP and Congress pre-elections. BJP aims for 400+ seats, while Congress for 40. Congress leaders defect to BJP due to NDA's performance. ED arrests Kejriwal. BJP challenges Kamal Nath's dominance in Chhindwara.
  • Taking a dig at the Congress, the Union Minister said, "Can you imagine 10 years back our countrymen were finding it even difficult to think about freeing themselves from the clutches of corrupt Congress party and its alliance partners where one after another scam took place."
  • Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said a Union Minister recently derided the ILO's Employment Report as a symptom of India's "slave mentality."
  • Defending the issuance of fresh notices by the I-T department to the Congress, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday lashed out at Congress for its "arrogance" and said the party is not above law. Thakur claimed the Congress changed its name from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to hide its corruption.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticized Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for the deaths of 21 people from tainted liquor in Sangrur. Thakur stated that Mann rushed to Delhi for Arvind Kejriwal's aid while 21 perished in his own village due to bootlegged alcohol.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticized the leaders of the INDIA bloc, stating that while opposition figures were focused on criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his global stature has continued to rise over the past decade.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday reacted to Aam Aadmi Party claims that arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from jail and said that this is an "insult" to the people of Delhi and "law and democracy."
  • India is ready to host the Youth Olympics in 2030 and Summer Olympics in 2036, said Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur. Emphasising India's readiness and potential as a major sports market, he highlighted the country's economic strength and youthful population.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that BJP wants the Lok Sabha elections to be held as soon as possible adding that the people of Himachal are waiting to give a befitting reply to the state government for the fake promises they made in the last 15 months.
  • Other major names on the list include Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, Union Minister Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North, BJP national media in-charge Anil Baluni from Garwhal, and Deve Gowda's son-in-law CN Manjunath from Bangalore Rural.
  • Under the new plan, two corridors will link Lajpat Nagar to G Block in Saket and Inderlok to Indraprastha. The combined length of the project will be approximately 20 km.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and criticized opposition parties for opposing it. Thakur questioned why the opposition wanted to deny rights to religious minorities in neighboring countries who would benefit from the CAA. He highlighted atrocities faced by persecuted refugee Hindu families and praised the Modi government for protecting Sikhs and the Guru Granth Sahib in Afghanistan. Thakur emphasized that the CAA would benefit those waiting for citizenship for 70 years. He also criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Left parties for their actions regarding candidate announcements.
  • Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7: Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a crucial electoral showdown as all four of its Lok Sabha seats—Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Shimla—go to the polls on Friday, June 1, in the seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticizes Opposition's criticism over EVMs, saying they only have a problem when they lose elections. Congress expresses concern over Election Commissioner Arun Goel's resignation, alleging lack of transparency in Election Commission functioning under government pressure. Goel resigns ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections announcement.
  • Anurag Thakur posted on X: "I'm pleased to announce that the Department of Personnel & Training, in consultation with the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, has made progressive revisions to the eligibility criteria for sportspersons seeking government jobs."
  • Several Chief Ministers including Yogi Adityanath from Uttar Pradesh, Pushkar Dhami from Uttarakhand, Mohan Yadav from Madhya Pradesh, and Bhajan Lal Sharma from Rajasthan reached BJP headquarters on Thursday to particpate in the meeting.
  • The union Cabinet approved a subsidy of ₹24,420 crore for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the upcoming kharif season, while maintaining the rate for di-ammonium phosphate at ₹1,350 per bag of 50 kg. The Cabinet also approved three new fertiliser grades under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy scheme to reduce import dependence.
  • Sports minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday announced that the government will issue digital certificates to registered athletes across the country, a move which would ensure a transparent account of their participation and performance. The digital certificate will have dates of the athletes' participation in competitions and serve as proof of their achievements.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating that despite being humiliated by the Congress as a "tea-seller and a backward person," he has put the country on a path of development. Thakur highlighted the success of Modi's "Viksit Bharat" initiative and emphasized the progress made in the past 10 years, including a corruption-free government and India becoming the world's fifth-largest economy, surpassing the UK.
  • Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for failing to fulfill its promises. Congress MLAs voted against their own candidate, reflecting the growing dissent and anger within the party. The Congress appears disintegrated and faces close competition with the BJP in the state.
  • In the last 10 years, PM Modi laid the foundation for good governance and development. India emerged from the fragile five economies to become a top five economy. 600M people have Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 800M have free food grain, highest MSP for sugarcane. Aim to achieve Viksit Bharat before 2047. Anurag Thakur speaks at FICCI national conclave.
  • The minister, while virtually addressing students of a private university in Greater Noida, also described how the Khelo India programme annually adds 1,000 new athletes, providing them with funding for training, accommodation, diet, and a monthly allowance. "Over 300 sporting infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,000 crore have been established under the Khelo India umbrella," the minister was quoted as saying in a press statement.
  • Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur expressed concern over the arrest of a TV journalist in West Bengal and appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to safeguard media freedom. Journalist Santu Pan from Republic Bangla was arrested, and Thakur called the incident unfortunate, emphasizing the importance of press freedom.
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