Manohar Joshi Passes Away: Maharashtra's First Non-Congress CM and Devoted Shiv Sena Leader

Manohar Joshi Passes Away: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Maharashtra's pioneering non-Congress Chief Minister, Manohar Joshi, passed away at 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Friday at 3 am. Hailing from the village of Nandavi in Raigad, Joshi's political journey was shaped by his deep association with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, who remained his mentor throughout.

Manohar Joshi Passes Away: Maharashtra's First Non-Congress CM and Devoted Shiv Sena Leader

Manohar Joshi Political Journey 

Manohar Joshi, captivated by Thackeray's "Marathi manoos" ideology, entered politics in the 1960s and rose through the ranks, becoming a steadfast aide to the Sena leader. Despite public admonishments, Joshi's loyalty never wavered, often expressing, "Balasaheb is my leader." In a graceful exit in 1999, he stepped aside as Chief Minister, making way for his successor Narayan Rane without protest.

His political ascent began after earning a law degree from Mumbai University and working in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Not only did he serve as a corporator in BMC but also as the Mayor of Mumbai from 1976 to 1977. Joshi's entry into the Legislative Council and subsequent election as an MLA from Dadar highlighted his commitment to Thackeray's vision for the Marathi community.

Accusations of inciting violence against Muslims during the 1992-93 Bombay riots were leveled against Joshi and Thackeray. Despite being named in the Srikrishna Commission report, Joshi, as Chief Minister, dismissed it as "anti-Hindu" and refused its recommendations.

Joshi's leadership in the first Sena-BJP coalition government marked a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's political landscape. However, internal conflicts, particularly with Deputy CM Gopinath Munde, led to his resignation in 1999 amid controversy over a land deal. Despite this, Thackeray ensured Joshi's continued political presence by fielding him in the Lok Sabha polls, where he won and served as the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise.

In 2006, Joshi shifted to national politics, being elected to the Rajya Sabha and completing his full tenure. Even after stepping back from active politics, Joshi maintained a constant presence at the Thackeray residence, "Matoshree."

Survived by his son Unmesh and daughters Asmita and Namrata, Joshi's legacy encompasses not only his political achievements but also his unwavering commitment to the Marathi cause and his enduring alliance with Bal Thackeray. Today, we remember Manohar Joshi as a stalwart leader who left an indelible mark on Maharashtra's political history.