Kanak Dhanai

Kanak Dhanai is a Rishikesh based politician, who contested 2022 election as people’s candidate (Independent) and stood third by securing more than 13,000 votes. He founded Yojna Think Tank in 2023 and mobile application Dhanwaan (Fintech) in 2025.

He pursued his education in law and public policy, completing a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) in Energy Laws from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, followed by an MSc in Public Policy from Queen Mary University of London, thereafter a certificate course from the University of Oxford on The Ethics of War, Protest, Revolution and Terrorism.

He first rose to prominence after spending seven days in jail in Dehradun for leading a protest in Rishikesh against the then-incumbent administration in 2021—an event that strengthened his appeal among students and first-time voters. Following the 2022 state assembly elections, he aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand and has since been engaged in strengthening its organisational and political work in the state.

Dhanwaan is a progressive mobile application created to revolutionise the culture of savings and financial empowerment in regions like Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. By introducing thrift-based savings, smart return, and digital inclusion, Dhanwaan connects grassroots communities of businesses with modern financial tools.

“From Neeti & Mana to Badrinath & Kedarnath, across Kumaon & Garhwal — 5,000+ families are connected with Dhanwaan.”

It reflects Kanak’s conviction that empowerment must be both economic and political. With Dhanwaan, he has shown the strength of self-sustaining leadership.