Pratap Sarnaik: From Humble Beginnings to a Power Player in Maharashtra Politics

Pratap Sarnaik is a very important person in Maharashtra politics who started from a really simple life and climbed up to become a powerful figure.

He works super hard for the people, leads strongly, and is deeply connected with everyone around him which has earned him a lot of respect in Shiv Sena and outside too.

He is the kind of politician who always thinks ahead and never gets tired of pushing for Thane’s development.

Then whether it is building roads and bridges, organizing massive cultural programs or standing up for regular people’s problems, he is always in the middle of things making sure stuff gets done.

No matter how politics changes he knows how to stay on top while still looking after his people, which really shows how sharp he is.

But politics is not his only thing, he is also a successful businessman. His life proves that if you put in the effort and do not give up then you can reach really high places.

From living a regular life to becoming one of Maharashtra’s big decision-makers, his journey is nothing short of amazing. He is not just another leader—he stands for hard work, commitment, and moving forward.

Personal Information

Political Career

Early Political Journey

• He started politics in 1997 with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and became a corporator in Thane Municipal Corporation.
• In November 2008 he left NCP after some dispute about leadership and so he joined Shiv Sena.

Key Positions Held

Legislative Contributions

• He strongly talked about making roads and housing better in Ovala-Majiwada area, always telling people how important these things are.
• He was very active in arranging big Dahi Handi events in Thane, making sure that they happen in a grand way every year.
• When Shiv Sena had some internal disputes, he loudly supported the Shiv Sena-BJP friendship, saying that it was good and should stay strong.

Business Ventures

Mr. Pratap Sarnaik is not just in politics but also does good in business.

He has work in real estate, hotels and education.

His company Vihang Group of Companies is a big name in Thane’s real estate and it does a lot of building and property work.

Achievements and Contributions

So we see that Mr. Pratap Sarnaik has been winning the Ovala-Majiwada seat again and again, four times since 2009.

Then he became the main person in arranging huge cultural programs like Dahi Handi festivals where lots of people come to enjoy the occasion.

When Shiv Sena got broken in two, he played a big role in bringing people from Uddhav Thackeray’s side to Eknath Shinde’s group.

As Transport Minister he talked a lot about changing traffic rules and making bike taxis legal so people can travel easily.

Recent Developments

Now in December 2024 he got a big position as the Transport Minister in the Mahayuti government under Devendra Fadnavis.

Then he said he will make new traffic rules and allow bike taxis legally.

But later he went to Karnataka to check how their transport system works, and then a problem happened. CM Fadnavis gave less power to him by putting an IAS officer as MSRTC chairman.

Legacy

Here is the real story—Pratap Sarnaik started his life as an autorickshaw driver, but now he is a rich businessman and big politician. A true rags-to-riches life.

Yes, although there are many controversies about how he got rich so fast, but still people know him because he is always close to common people and changes his ways to stay strong in Maharashtra politics.

Top Sources:

1. Indian Express – Now discord over functioning of Mahayuti minister: Who is Sena’s Pratap Sarnaik?
2. Indian Express – Explained: Reading between the lines of Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik’s letter
3. Indian Express – Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik says party should renew ties with BJP
4. Wikipedia – Pratap Sarnaik – Wikipedia