Rising from humble beginnings, Shiv Sena’s - Pratap Sarnaik became the first legislator from the twin-city to bag a ministerial berth in the expansion of the newly elected BJP-led Maharashtra government which took place in Nagpur on Sunday. From selling incense sticks and calendars to vending eatables on the road side and also driving auto-rickshaws to support his family, the four-term legislator from the Ovala-Majiwada assembly constituency (which covers parts of Thane and Mira-Bhayandar), Sarnaik was amongst 39 others from BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP to take oath as ministers.
Born in Wardha on 24, April 1964, Sarnaik shifted to Thane in 1992. While his father worked at Maratha- a daily newspaper founded and edited by Acharya Atre, his mother was a school teacher. He completed his education in Dombivali and started his political journey by joining the National Students of India (NSUI) before becoming a member of the education and public transport authority in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).
The major breakthrough in his political career came in 1997 after he got elected as a corporator for three consecutive terms. After a short stint in the NCP he switched to Shiv Sena and went on to become legislator for four consecutive terms with a thumping majority between 2009 and 2024. He was also appointed as the spokesperson of his party.
Attributing his success to the support lent by his family and blessings bestowed by Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, Sarnaik said, “I am really indebted to our leader Eknath Shinde for exuding trust and confidence in me by giving me this opportunity. Without his constant support and guidance in all developmental projects in my constituency, I could not have reached this position.”
With business interests in the hospitality, education and construction sector, Sarnaik has multiple ventures under his company named Vihaang Group of Industries. He continues to stay in a joint family with his wife, two sons, daughter-in-laws and three grandchildren.
