Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital after prolonged illness. He was 63.
Born in Patna in 1962, Thakur was the son of senior journalist Janardhan Thakur.
He received his early education at St Xavier’s in Patna and later in Delhi, before earning a degree in political science from Hindu College, Delhi University.
Thakur, who began his journalism career in 1984 with SUNDAY magazine, is survived by his wife Sona, daughter Jahan and son Ayushman.
He worked in several places, including The Indian Express, Tehelka and The Telegraph in two stints.
Known for his sharp political commentary and empathetic pen, Thakur was a keen chronicler of India’s politics, particularly Bihar. His home state was the focus of not just his journalism but also his credentials as an author.
Thakur authored the widely cited and bestselling biographies of the state’s prominent political figures.
His books include Subaltern Saheb, a political biography of former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and “The Brothers Bihari”, a highly acclaimed political diptych on Yadav and Kumar.
Tributes Poured in on X from various leaders across
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
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
Mamata Banerjee , Chief Minister West Bengal
Saddened by the demise of Sankarshan Thakur, editor of ‘The Telegraph’ newspaper. He was a brilliant and distinguished journalist, with significant writings on contemporary political history.
I convey my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 8, 2025
Manoj JHa, RJD Rajya Sabha MP
This is hard for me to write because not only is a dear friend gone, but also someone who spoke truth to power, even to the Opposition, with clarity and care.
Jai Hind
Sankarshan Thakur was not a both sides journalist https://t.co/Xmr1BDsM4M via @IndianExpress— Manoj Kumar Jha (@manojkjhadu) September 9, 2025
Nitish KUmar , Bihar Chief Minister
वरिष्ठ पत्रकार एवं ‘द टेलीग्राफ’ के संपादक संकर्षण ठाकुर जी का निधन दुःखद। उनका निधन पत्रकारिता जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्होंने बिहार की राजनीति से संबंधित पुस्तकें लिखीं हैं जिनमें ‘अकेला आदमी’ तथा ‘द ब्रदर्स बिहारी’ प्रमुख हैं। पत्रकारिता के क्षेत्र में इनके महत्वपूर्ण…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) September 8, 2025
Jairam Ramesh, Senior Congress Leader
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
