On July 9, 2025, Pratap Sarnaik remains a well-known name in Maharashtra’s politics. He is a leader who has worked hard for his people. His life is a story of struggle, hard work, and success. Born in a simple family, he rose to become a powerful politician and businessman. This article tells the story of Pratap Sarnaik in simple words. It covers his early life, political career, business ventures, and social work. His journey inspires many people in India.
Early Life And Family Background
Pratap Baburao Sarnaik was born on April 25, 1964, in Wardha, Maharashtra. His family was not rich. His father, Baburao Sarnaik, worked at a local newspaper called Maratha. His mother, Indirabai, was a school teacher. They taught Pratap the value of hard work. As a young boy, Pratap saw his parents struggle to make ends meet. This made him strong and determined. His family moved to Thane when he was young. Thane became his home and the center of his future work.
In his early years, Pratap faced many challenges. He studied at Pendharkar College in Dombivli. During his college days, he joined the Students Movement. This was his first step into public life. He wanted to help people even as a student. He saw problems in his community and wanted to solve them. His interest in social service grew stronger. This passion shaped his future career in politics.
Pratap Sarnaik Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Caste, Wife, Daughter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pratap Baburao Sarnaik |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Wardha, Maharashtra, India |
| Family Background | Father: Baburao Sarnaik (Maratha newspaper worker); Mother: Indirabai Sarnaik (school teacher); moved to Thane in childhood |
| Marital Status | Married to Parisha Sarnaik (Thane corporator); two sons: Purvesh (Yuva Sena Secretary), Vihang (businessman) |
| Education | Studied at Pendharkar College, Dombivli; active in student movement during college |
| Early Career | Drove autorickshaw in Thane (1980s); sold incense sticks and calendars roadside |
| Business Ventures | Founder, Vihang Group (real estate, hospitality); projects: Vihang Shantivan, Vihang Garden, Vihang Residency; Hotel Vihang’s Inn; net worth: ₹50–100 crore |
| Political Journey | Joined NSUI (1995); Thane corporator (1997, re-elected thrice); left NCP (2008), joined Shiv Sena; MLA from Ovala-Majiwada (2009, 2014, 2019, 2024); won 2024 election with 184,178 votes (64.5%) |
| Political Roles (2024) | Transport Minister (since Dec 15, 2024); Guardian Minister, Dharashiv; Shiv Sena Liaison Minister for Palghar & Solapur; Chairman, MSRTC |
| Notable Achievements | Exposed illegal bike taxis (2025); built Upvan Ghat; installed musical fountain at Upvan Lake; introduced Togo Van waste system |
| Social Work | Founded Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan; organizes Dahi Handi festival; started Pro Govinda League; built Indirabai Baburao Sarnaik cashless hospital; constructed gymnastics center; sanctioned ₹25 crore for new center |
| Controversies | Faced ED raids (2020); assets worth ₹11.4 crore attached (2022); denied charges, called it political vendetta |
| Public Image | Known as “Metro Man” for Thane’s infrastructure; vocal Marathi identity supporter; criticized police for blocking Marathi pride march (2025) |
| Current Status (2025) | Active as Transport Minister and MLA; leads social and cultural initiatives in Thane |
Early Career
Pratap started his career in a humble way. In the 1980s, he drove an autorickshaw in Thane to support his family. Life was tough, but he never gave up. He also sold incense sticks and calendars on the roadside. These small jobs taught him the value of money and hard work. Later, he entered the real estate business. He started the Vihang Group of Companies. This company built many homes and buildings in Thane. His hard work in business made him successful. Today, his company is well-known in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
Political Journey
Pratap’s political journey began in 1995. He joined the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). This was his entry into politics. In 1997, he became a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation. He was elected three times in a row. At first, he worked with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He was close to NCP leader Ajit Pawar. But in 2008, he left the NCP due to some disagreements. He joined the Shiv Sena, a party known for supporting Marathi culture. This decision changed his life.
In 2009, Pratap won his first election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He represented the Ovala-Majiwada constituency in Thane. He won this seat four times in a row—in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. His victories show his strong connection with the people. In 2024, he won with 184,178 votes, which was 64.5% of the total votes. This made him one of the most popular leaders in Thane. People call him the “Metro Man” because he works to improve Thane’s infrastructure.
Political Roles (2024)
In December 2024, Pratap achieved a big milestone. He became a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government. He was the first MLA from Thane and Mira-Bhayandar to get this role. He took oath as the Transport Minister on December 15, 2024, in Nagpur. He also became the Guardian Minister for Dharashiv District. Additionally, he serves as the Shiv Sena Liaison Minister for Palghar and Solapur districts. As Transport Minister, he is working to make travel safe and easy for people. He also chairs the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Notable Achievements
Pratap is known for his bold actions. In July 2025, he exposed illegal bike taxis in Mumbai. He booked a ride on the Rapido app using a fake name. A bike arrived within 10 minutes near Mantralaya. He caught the rider and proved that illegal services were running. He said, “I caught him red-handed.” He criticized transport officials for giving wrong information. He promised strict action against such services. This act showed his commitment to following the law.
Business Ventures
Apart from politics, Pratap is a successful businessman. His Vihang Group of Companies has built many projects in Thane. Some projects include Vihang Shantivan, Vihang Garden, and Vihang Residency. He also owns Hotel Vihang’s Inn, a 3-star business hotel in Thane. His business success has made him wealthy. His net worth is estimated to be between ₹50-100 crore. This includes properties, luxury vehicles, and stakes in hotels. His wealth grew by nearly 800% from 2009 to 2019, according to his election affidavits.
Personal Life
Pratap is also a family man. He is married to Parisha Sarnaik, who supports his work. Parisha is a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation. They have two sons, Purvesh and Vihang. Both sons are active in politics and business. Purvesh is the Secretary of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena. He is married to Kashmira, the daughter of former BJP minister Ranjit Patil. Vihang helps run the family business. The Sarnaik family is well-respected in Thane.
Social Work
Pratap’s social work is another big part of his life. He founded the Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan. This organization helps young people and promotes Marathi culture. It organizes events like the Dahi Handi festival in Thane. This festival attracts teams from Mumbai and Thane. In 2011, the prize money for the Dahi Handi was ₹25 lakh. Pratap also started the Pro Govinda League to promote this traditional sport globally. His work shows his love for Marathi traditions.
He has also done a lot for healthcare and education. In memory of his mother, he built the Indirabai Baburao Sarnaik cashless hospital in Mira-Bhayandar. This hospital offers free healthcare to people. Another hospital is being built in Thane. In memory of his father, he constructed a gymnastics center at Pokhran Road. He also got ₹25 crore sanctioned for a new center in Mira-Bhayandar. These projects show his care for his community.
Pratap has worked to make Thane beautiful. He built the Upvan Ghat near Upvan Lake, inspired by the Banaras Ghat. This place attracts tourists and locals. He also installed a musical fountain at Upvan Lake. More fountains are planned at other locations. He introduced a modern waste management system using Togo Van technology. This system turns waste into fertilizer for parks. These efforts show his focus on improving his city.
Challenges
However, Pratap’s life has not been without challenges. In 2020, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his properties. They investigated him for a money-laundering case linked to the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL). In 2022, assets worth ₹11.4 crore were attached. This included two flats in Thane and a land parcel in Mira Road. Pratap denied the charges. He called it a political vendetta by rivals. He can appeal the case in court. Despite this, he remains a strong leader.
Pratap is also vocal about Marathi pride. In July 2025, he supported a march in Mira-Bhayandar for Marathi identity. He criticized the police for not allowing the march. He said he would speak to the Chief Minister about it. His bold words make him a polarizing figure. Some people admire his courage, while others question his methods. Still, he remains a key leader in Shiv Sena.
Pratap Sarnaik’s life is a mix of struggles and achievements. From driving an autorickshaw to becoming a minister, his journey is inspiring. He has built homes, hospitals, and hope for his people. His love for Thane and Marathi culture shines through his work. He faces challenges with strength. His story teaches us that hard work and determination can lead to great success. Pratap Sarnaik is not just a politician. He is a leader who cares for his people and their future.