Veteran journalist Sankarshan Thakur passes away at 63

Sankarshan Thakur, renowned journalist and editor of The Telegraph, passed away on Monday at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness.

Known for his fearless reporting and sharp political insight, Thakur was widely respected in Indian journalism.

The Press Club of India paid tribute to him, stating, “We’ve lost a fearless voice in journalism. His sharp political analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth will be deeply missed.”

Senior journalist and editor of The Telegraph newspaper, Sankarshan Thakur passed away today. He was 63.

We’ve lost a fearless voice in journalism.

His sharp political analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth will be deeply missed.

In this time of sorrow, the Press… pic.twitter.com/HzmrpXYlrQ

— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) September 8, 2025

The club extended its condolences to Thakur’s family, friends, and colleagues, noting the profound impact of his loss.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, remembered Thakur for his “sharp reporting, bold political commentary, and elegant writing style,” calling his legacy enduring.

Deeply saddened by the passing of brilliant journalist, author and the editor of the Telegraph, Shri Sankarshan Thakur.

His incisive reporting, fearless political commentary and eloquent writing style leave an enduring legacy.

My deepest condolences and thoughts are with his… pic.twitter.com/bAzs9wfL5b

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 8, 2025

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also paid homage, saying India had lost one of its strongest voices for liberal, democratic, secular, and pluralistic values.

Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph who has just passed away at a relatively young age, was a delightfully brilliant writer. He was a very incisive analyst of Indian politics and his numerous articles on Bihar as well as J&K established his reputation.

Over the many…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 8, 2025

Thakur began his journalism career with the Ananda Bazar Patrika group’s Sunday magazine. He was especially known for his deep and insightful ground reporting from regions like Bihar and Kashmir.

Over the years, he covered several major events, including the Bhopal gas tragedy, the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the Sri Lankan civil war.

A prominent chronicler of Bihar’s political landscape, Thakur authored several acclaimed books, including Making of Laloo Yadav, The Unmaking of Bihar; Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar and The Brothers Bihari.