Vikas Pandurang Thakre

Vikas Pandurang Thakre (born 23 August 1966) is an Indian politician from Nagpur, Maharashtra, and a senior member of the Indian National Congress. He currently serves as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly representing Nagpur West and holds the position of President of the Nagpur District Congress Committee. With over 40 years in public life, he has previously served as the Mayor of Nagpur and remains deeply engaged in grassroots-level politics. In 2024, he contested the Lok Sabha election from Nagpur constituency and has been known for his consistent public outreach, developmental focus, and strong presence in Vidarbha politics.

Early life and education Thakre was born on 23 August 1966 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to Pandurang and Nirmala Thakre. He comes from a humble, non-political background. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College under Nagpur University in 1989.

Political career

Early political roles 1985: Appointed as a member of the Indian National Congress 1988: General Secretary, NSUI Nagpur 1990: General Secretary, Nagpur Youth Congress 2001: General Secretary, Nagpur District Congress Committee

Municipal career 2002: Elected as Corporator (Nagarsevak), Nagpur Municipal Corporation 2002–2005: Served as Mayor of Nagpur 2007: Appointed State Representative – Ambedkar-Valmiki Awas Yojana, Maharashtra 2007–2012: Re-elected as Corporator 2010–2012: Leader of Opposition, Nagpur Municipal Corporation 2012–2017: Re-elected Corporator (hat-trick term); Leader of Opposition, NMC 2014–present: President, Nagpur District Congress Committee

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly 2019: Elected MLA from Nagpur West, defeating BJP’s Sudhakar Deshmukh 2024: Re-elected as MLA (pending EC official data confirmation)

2024 Lok Sabha elections Contested as the INC candidate for Nagpur Lok Sabha seat against Nitin Gadkari Received significant support and vote share, emerging as runner-up Campaign focused on development, urban infrastructure, and youth issues

Electoral history + Election Results Year Election Type Constituency Party Result Margin 2002 Municipal (NMC) Nagpur INC Won — 2007 Municipal (NMC) Nagpur INC Won — 2012 Municipal (NMC) Nagpur INC Won — 2019 Maharashtra Assembly Nagpur West INC Won 7,716 votes 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Nagpur West INC Won ~5,800* 2024 Lok Sabha Nagpur INC Runner-up - To be confirmed by EC

Positions held Mayor of Nagpur (2002–2005) Corporator, NMC (2002–2017) Leader of Opposition, NMC (2010–2017) President, Nagpur District Congress Committee (2014–present) MLA, Nagpur West (2019–present) Trustee, Nagpur Improvement Trust (2020–2022) Senate Member, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (2023–present)