Veteran Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, Manohar Joshi, breathed his last in the early hours of Friday. He was 86.
Joshi’s mortal remains will be solemnly housed at his Matunga Road residence and the final rites are set to be conducted at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar. He is survived by his wife, Anagha Joshi, a son and two daughters.
A towering figure in the Shiv Sena hierarchy, Joshi’s political journey began with his early association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), before joining the Shiv Sena. Throughout the 1980s, he emerged as a key leader within the party.
“It is very unfortunate. Manohar Joshi had seen many ups and downs in his life but he never left Shiv Sena; he always remained loyal to the party… When Balasaheb Thackeray was arrested, he was one of those arrested with him. His demise is a big loss to the party,” said the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief told a national news agency.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders taking to social media to express their condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend his condolences, acknowledging Joshi’s invaluable contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and his dedication to public service at various levels of governance.
“… During his tenure as the Lok Sabha Speaker, he strove to make our Parliamentary processes more vibrant and participative. Manohar Joshi Ji will also be remembered for his diligence as a legislator, having had the honor of serving in all four legislatures. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on a micro-blogging website.
Chief Ministers from the Northeast also offered their condolences, recognising Joshi’s impactful legacy and his unwavering commitment to public welfare.
“Saddened to hear the passing away of Manohar Joshi ji, former Union Minister, CM of Maharashtra and Speaker of Lok Sabha. In his long tenure as a politician, he tirelessly worked for the growth and welfare of the people. I express my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers,” wrote Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on a social media post.
Terming Joshi’s demise as a “big loss”, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted, “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and followers during this difficult time. May the departed soul find eternal peace.”
Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Joshi.
