Shantanu Thakur

Shantanu Thakur, born on August 3rd, 1982, in West Bengal, is a notable figure in Indian politics and culture. He is the son of Manjul Krishna Thakur and Chhabi Rani Thakur.

Thakur's political journey began when he was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha from the Bangaon constituency in West Bengal on the Bharatiya Janata Party ticket during the 2019 general elections. Once again, he has been nominated by the ruling BJP to contest from the same seat in the upcoming 2024 general election.

Beyond politics, Thakur has been actively involved in spreading the thoughts and ideals of Matua culture throughout India for the past 20 years. He currently holds the position of Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Thakur's passion for Matua dharma and culture is evident in his work and advocacy. Outside of his political and cultural endeavours, he finds joy in playing cricket and indulging in cooking Indian cuisine during his leisure time.

In 2011, he married Soma Thakur, with whom he has two sons. With a total wealth value of Rs 52,65,388 and no liabilities, Thakur continues to make significant contributions to both politics and cultural heritage in India.

He entered electoral politics and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from Bangaon constituency as a BJP candidate. His victory was significant due to his strong support among the Matua community, an influential voting bloc in West Bengal.

In July 2021, he was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers as Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His tenure marked his transition into national-level governance.

He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024, retaining the Bangaon seat and reinforcing his political influence in the region. His continued electoral success reflects sustained support among his core voter base.

As of 2026, he serves as a Member of Parliament and remains active in national politics, particularly representing the interests of the Matua community and the North 24 Parganas region.