Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi passed away today, at the age of 86.
The former Lok Sabha Speaker was admitted to PD Hinduja Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on February 21 and breathed his last at the hospital, family sources said, as reported by PTI.
In May 2023, the Shiv Sena stalwart was admitted to the same Hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Family sources told ANI that the funeral will be held later in the day at Dadar Shivaji Park Crematorium, where Mr Joshi will be accorded full state honours.
Mr Joshi’s son said to the media, ‘He had been admitted to the ICU and was under observation. He had cardiac trouble on Wednesday. He had prolonged age-related health issues. We will be performing last rites at Shivaji Park crematorium and before this, the mortal remains will be brought to our house in Matunga.’
The hospital had earlier issued a statement on Joshi being in the ICU.
‘Mr Manohar Joshi, Ex-Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was admitted at P.D. Hinduja Hospital on 21st February 2024. He suffered a cardiac event and is severely ill. He is currently in the ICU under close observation and receiving the best medical care and treatment.’
Political career of Manohar Joshi
Manohar Joshi was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999 and Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2002 to 2004.
Mr Joshi was also a Member of Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012, and Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2002.
Tributes pour in for ex-Maha CM
Political leaders paid their tributes to former Lok Sabha speaker and Maharashtra ex-chief minister Manohar Joshi.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Joshi’s contribution to society, politics and the field of education was immense.
‘Joshi was a member of the Legislative Council, Assembly, Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha. He rose from being a corporator and mayor of Mumbai to chief minister and member of Parliament. Be it personal life or public life, he was a disciplinarian,’ Mr Fadnavis said.
In the passing of Joshi, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, a leader fighting for the rights of Marathi people has passed into the pages of history.
‘With the demise of Shiv Sena’s senior leader, former Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, the cultured leader who fought for the just rights of Marathi people has passed away. His death has caused a great loss to the political, social and education sector of Maharashtra. I offer heartfelt tributes to Joshi sir,’ he wrote.
Former Union minister and NCP founder Sharad Pawar said Joshi was known in political circles as a straightforward leader who strived to get things done.
He said, ‘The death of Manohar Joshi is very sad. He was known in the political circles for his outspokenness and bold work attitude. Manohar Joshi was known as a very trusted colleague of Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. While holding the post of Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he took everyone along and worked hard for the development of the state. During his tenure as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, he was instrumental in setting up an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Parliament premises. My condolences to the Joshi family.’
Manohar Joshi’s journey
Born on December 2, 1937, in Mahad, Maharashtra, Manohar Joshi obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in Mumbai.
Joshi’s political career began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and he later joined the Shiv Sena. In the 1980s, Joshi emerged as a key leader within the party, known for his organizational skills and grassroots connect.
Manohar Joshi’s most significant political milestone came in 1995 when he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
He succeeded Sharad Pawar, marking the first time the Shiv Sena had assumed power in the state. He was also elected as a Member of Parliament and was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004, when the Vajpayee-led BJP government was at the centre.
Joshi played a pivotal role in expanding the Shiv Sena party across Maharashtra. His establishment of the Kohinoor Technical Institute, focusing on skill development, earned him the moniker ‘Sir’ from students and staff, and later all party workers referred to him by the same name.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences at the death of Manohar Joshi and recalled his contribution in various capacities.
He will be remembered for his diligence as a legislator too, the Prime Minister said.