Shantanu Thakur

Shantanu Thakur (born 1982) is an Indian politician, who has been a Member of Lok Sabha for Bangaon since 2019. He was sworn in as Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways after the Cabinet reshuffle on 7 July 2021.

Personal life
Thakur comes from Matua community which is similar to Hindu Dalit communities but unlike them it is considered as a different religious sect. He wrestled the Bangaon seat from his aunt Mamta Thakur, who is associated with All India Trinamool Congress.

Political career
In the 2019 general election, he became the first non-TMC MP to be elected in this constituency since its delimitation when he was elected on BJP's ticket. He is the son of ex-Bengal Minister Manjul Krishna Thakur. He is a leader of All India Matua Mahasangha.

Minister of State
During the cabinet reshuffle of Second Modi ministry on 7 July 2021, he was given the charge of Minister of State of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.