Remembering Manohar Joshi: A Tribute to the Former Maharashtra Chief Minister
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi passed away on Friday, February 23, at the age of 86. Mr Joshi was admitted to PD Hinduja Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on February 21. Despite efforts, he succumbed to age-related health complications at the private medical facility. Last year, in May, Joshi had been admitted to the same hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Family sources confirmed that with full state honours the funeral will take place later in the day at Dadar Shivaji Park Crematorium. Speaking to Hindustan Times, his son Unmesh stated, "He had been admitted to the ICU and was under observation. He had cardiac trouble on Wednesday.
Early Life:
Manohar Joshi was born on December 2, 1937, in Nandavi, Raigad district, Maharashtra, India, to Gajanan Krishna Joshi and Saraswati Gajanan. He earned his Master of Arts and LLB degrees from Mumbai University. Joshi married Anagha Joshi on May 14, 1964, and they had three children. His granddaughter, Sharvari Wagh, debuted as an actress in the 2021 film "Bunty Aur Babli 2".
Political Career:
Joshi's political journey commenced in 1968 when he was elected as a municipal councillor in the Bombay Municipal Corporation, representing the Shiv Sena. He served three terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1972 to 1989 and held the position of Mumbai's Mayor from 1976 to 1977. In 1990, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly on a Shiv Sena ticket.
Chief Minister:
In 1995, when the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition rose to power, Manohar Joshi became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His tenure marked a significant political shift in the state, succeeding Sharad Pawar's non-Congress government in 1978.
Controversy and Resignation:
Joshi faced controversy during his tenure, particularly regarding his alleged involvement in inciting violence against Muslims during the 1992–1993 riots. His resignation in January 1999 followed accusations of favoritism in land allocation to a builder associated with his son-in-law, leading to legal battles and court rulings against him.
Lok Sabha and Speaker:
Joshi transitioned to national politics, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Central Mumbai in 1999. During the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, he served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2002 to 2004 . After an unsuccessful Lok Sabha election, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2006.
National Legislator Conference:
In September 2022, Joshi was appointed a key patron of NLC Bharat, reaffirming his influence and engagement in political affairs.
Manohar Joshi's demise marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions and controversies alike.
