Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently became the first official owner of a Tesla Model Y in the country. He purchased the car to inspire more people, especially the youth, to adopt sustainable transportation.
Minister Sarnaik shared that this purchase, which is a gift for his grandson, is a statement to create awareness about electric mobility and normalize EVs for future generations. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to a cleaner, greener Maharashtra, confirming he received no special discount and is a proud customer.
The Tesla Model Y is available in India in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, with two variants: the standard RWD at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Long Range RWD at Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The opening of Tesla’s first Indian showroom in Mumbai has drawn significant crowds for test drives and viewings.
Minister Sarnaik’s son, Parvesh Sarnaik, also urged people to switch to EVs, highlighting that electric vehicles are the future. Tesla’s 4,000-square-foot retail and experience center was inaugurated on July 15 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Tesla’s South Asia Regional Director, Isabel Fan. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also visited and took a test drive.
Earlier in July, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd received its official trade certificate, allowing vehicle registrations and test drives to commence. Minister Sarnaik’s journey from a humble background to leading Maharashtra’s EV push is truly inspiring.
The growing interest in EVs and government support are accelerating the shift towards a cleaner automotive future, despite ongoing challenges with infrastructure and cost.
More information about Pratap Baburao Sarnaik:
Pratap Baburao Sarnaik is a politician from Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Ovala-Majiwada constituency, Communication Leader for Mira Bhayander, Shivsena, Chairman of Vihang Group of companies, and Founder & President of Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan.
Biography and Political Life
Born in 1964 in Wardha, Maharashtra, to Indirabai and Baburao Sarnaik, Pratap Sarnaik moved to Mumbai with his family. He attended Pendharkar College in Dombivli, where he became involved in the Students Movement due to his interest in social service.
Sarnaik began his political career with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before joining the Shiv Sena in November 2008. He won the General elections for the Ovala-Majiwada (Vidhan Sabha constituency) as a Shiv Sena candidate with 52,373 votes.
His two sons, Vihang and Purvesh, are active members of Yuva Sena, with Purvesh Sarnaik serving as its Secretary. His wife, Mrs. Parisha Sarnaik, is a local corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation, representing Ward 29.
Social Activities
Pratap Sarnaik leads the Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan, which has organized the Dahi Handi at Vartak Nagar, Thane, for many years. In August 2011, various Dahi Handi teams from Mumbai-Thane competed for a Rs 25 lakh Handi.
Business
Real Estate:
As Chairman of Vihang Group of companies, he has been involved in numerous real estate projects in Thane City since 1989. Notable residential and commercial projects include Vihang Shantivan, Vihang Garden, Srushti Complex, Vihang Residency, Vihang Tower, Vihang Vihar, Vihang Park, Raunak Tower, Vihang Arcade, and Raunak Arcade.
Hospitality: Sarnaik owns Hotel Vihang’s Inn, a 3-Star business hotel in Thane. The group also owns Vihang’s Palm Club, which features a swimming pool, health club, jacuzzi, and squash facilities.
Positions Held
2009: Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
2014: Re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
2019: Re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
2024: Re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly