Reena Thakur, once a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh, India, gained widespread attention not only for her political career but also for a controversial incident that abruptly ended it. Known for her work in the BJP’s women’s wing and her grassroots efforts in Shimla, Reena Thakur’s journey from a schoolteacher to a politician, and later to the center of a viral scandal, remains a topic of interest.
Early Life and Background
Reena Thakur was born in 1983 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, into a Rajput family with strong ties to the region. While specific details about her exact birth date remain unavailable, her hometown of Shimla—a picturesque hill station and the state capital—played a significant role in shaping her identity. Her father, a retired bank officer, and her mother, a homemaker, provided a stable middle-class upbringing. Reena grew up alongside her siblings, including a sister named Babita Verma and a brother whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
Growing up in Shimla, Reena was exposed to the cultural and political vibrancy of Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its natural beauty and active political landscape. Her early years were marked by a focus on education and community involvement, laying the foundation for her later career in politics.
Education
Reena Thakur pursued her schooling at the Government Senior Secondary School in Darlaghat, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. This institution offered her a strong academic base, reflecting the state’s emphasis on education. She later graduated from Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla, earning a degree that equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate her future endeavors. Her educational background, combined with her interest in social issues, set the stage for her entry into public life.
Career Beginnings: From Teaching to Politics
Before stepping into the political arena, Reena Thakur reportedly worked as a teacher in a private school in Shimla. This early career choice highlighted her inclination toward education and community development—traits that would later define her political work. While details about her teaching tenure are sparse, it’s believed that this role allowed her to connect with local communities and understand their needs, a valuable asset when she transitioned to politics.
In 2007, Reena Thakur joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking the beginning of her political journey. She became a member of the Himachal BJP Mahila Morcha, the party’s women’s wing, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and leadership skills. Over the next 12 years, she established herself as a youth leader and a key figure in the party’s women’s and youth wings, focusing on developmental programs in the Shimla region.
Political Career with BJP
Reena Thakur’s political career with the BJP was marked by her proactive approach and commitment to grassroots initiatives. As a member of the Himachal BJP Mahila Morcha, she worked on empowering women and youth, organizing campaigns and programs that aligned with the party’s ideology. Her efforts earned her recognition from senior leaders like Prem Kumar Dhumal and Jai Ram Thakur, who praised her contributions to the party’s growth in Himachal Pradesh.
During her tenure, Reena was involved in various developmental projects in Shimla, leveraging her experience as an educator to address local issues. Her ability to connect with people and her powerful oratory skills made her a rising star within the BJP. By 2019, she had spent over a decade in politics, building a reputation as a strong and influential leader in the state.
Personal Life
Reena Thakur is a married woman, though the name of her husband—a small businessman from Himachal Pradesh—remains undisclosed in public records. The couple has a son, estimated to be 6–7 years old as of 2019, making him around 11–12 years old by March 2025. Reena’s family life, rooted in the traditions of Himachal Pradesh, reflects her adherence to Hinduism, the dominant religion in the region. Despite her public persona, she kept her personal life relatively private until it became entwined with a major controversy.
The Controversy: Viral Video and Fallout
Reena Thakur’s political career came to an abrupt halt in 2019 when a controversial video featuring her and fellow BJP leader Upen Pandit surfaced online. The 10–12-minute video, reportedly filmed in a bathroom in Kullu district, depicted the two in a compromising situation, sparking widespread outrage. The incident, often referred to as the "Reena Thakur viral video," became a sensational topic on social media and news outlets, severely damaging her reputation and the BJP’s image.
The fallout was swift. Senior BJP leaders, including those at the national level, condemned the behavior as unbecoming of party representatives. Both Reena Thakur and Upen Pandit were expelled from the BJP, effectively ending their political careers. Adding fuel to the fire, an audio clip of a heated conversation between Reena and Upen Pandit’s wife emerged, revealing that the affair had been known to their families beforehand. In the recording, Upen’s wife accused Reena of ignoring repeated warnings to end the relationship, while Reena allegedly admitted to recording the video herself.
Reena Thakur filed a police complaint regarding the video, claiming it was a breach of privacy, though some reports suggest she accused Upen Pandit of wrongdoing. The legal proceedings and public discourse faded over time, but the scandal left an indelible mark on her legacy.
Life After Politics
Following her expulsion from the BJP in 2019, Reena Thakur largely retreated from the public eye. Her social media accounts, including her Facebook profile, were deactivated or taken down, reflecting her desire to distance herself from the controversy. In May 2020, she was spotted with her husband in Shimla, hinting at an attempt to rebuild her personal life. Since then, no significant updates about her activities—political or otherwise—have emerged as of March 4, 2025.
Physical Appearance
Reena Thakur stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs around 55 kg (121 lbs). She has dark brown eyes and hair, typical features that align with her North Indian heritage. While these details are incidental to her public persona, they contribute to a complete profile often sought by readers.
Net Worth
Estimates of Reena Thakur’s net worth vary, with figures ranging from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs in Indian Rupees as of her active political years. Her income likely stemmed from her political engagements and possibly her husband’s business. However, post-controversy, her financial status remains unclear due to her withdrawal from public life.
Legacy and Public Perception
Reena Thakur’s story is a cautionary tale of how quickly a promising career can unravel due to personal missteps in the age of digital media. Once hailed as a dynamic BJP leader, she is now primarily remembered for the scandal that ended her political journey. Her case underscores the scrutiny public figures face and the lasting impact of controversies in the internet era.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Reena Thakur
- Early Career as a Teacher: Before entering politics, Reena worked as a schoolteacher in Shimla, showcasing her commitment to education.
- 12 Years in Politics: She dedicated over a decade to the BJP, rising as a youth and women’s wing leader.
- Shimla Roots: Born and raised in Shimla, she remained deeply connected to her hometown.
- Himachal BJP Mahila Morcha Member: Joined the women’s wing in 2007, focusing on women’s empowerment.
- Expulsion from BJP: Removed from the party in 2019 due to a viral video scandal.
- Viral Video Controversy: A bathroom video with Upen Pandit led to her political downfall.
- Family Life: Married with a son, she balanced personal and political responsibilities.
- Educational Background: Graduated from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
- Praise from Leaders: Recognized by senior BJP figures like Prem Kumar Dhumal for her work.
- Post-Scandal Silence: Largely disappeared from public life after 2020.
FAQs About Reena Thakur
- Who is Reena Thakur?
Reena Thakur is a former Indian politician from the BJP in Himachal Pradesh, known for her work in the women’s wing and a 2019 controversy. - What is Reena Thakur famous for?
She gained notoriety after a viral video with BJP leader Upen Pandit led to her expulsion from the party. - When was Reena Thakur born?
She was born in 1983 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, though her exact birth date is unknown. - Is Reena Thakur married?
Yes, she is married to a businessman and has a son. - What was Reena Thakur’s role in BJP?
She was a youth leader and member of the Himachal BJP Mahila Morcha. - Why was Reena Thakur expelled from BJP?
She was removed in 2019 after a compromising video surfaced online. - Where is Reena Thakur now?
As of March 2025, her whereabouts are unclear; she was last seen in Shimla in 2020. - What is Reena Thakur’s net worth?
Estimates range from Rs. 15–50 lakhs, though current figures are uncertain. - Did Reena Thakur file a legal case?
Yes, she filed a police complaint regarding the viral video. - What happened to Upen Pandit?
Upen Pandit, her co-accused in the scandal, was also expelled from the BJP.
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