Former CM of Maharashtra Manohar Joshi Passes Away at 86

Manohar Gajanan Joshi, Former Chief Minister of Maharastra from 1995 to 1999, and Speaker of Lok Sabha from  2002 to 2004 passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Friday, 23 February. He was Maharastra’s first non-congress chief minister when the Shiv Sena-Bhartiya Janata Party(BJP) coalition came to power in 1996.

Manohar Joshi experienced a cardiac arrest a day before. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hindu Hospital but unfortunately, he passed away the following day due to age-related health complications.

Political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray,  Deputy CM’s of Maharastra Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, paid tribute to the diligent and disciplined leader known for his significant contribution towards society, Politics and education.

In his tweet, PM Modi also highlighted Manohar Joshi’s efforts to enhance  parliamentary processes during his tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker

Pained by the passing away of Shri Manohar Joshi Ji. He was a veteran leader who spent years in public service and held various responsibilities at the municipal, state and national level. As Maharashtra CM, he worked tirelessly for the state’s progress. He also made noteworthy… pic.twitter.com/8SWCzUTEaj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2024

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also posted a tweet that read “Pained by the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Manohar Joshi ji. He distinguished himself as an astute leader who was widely admired across political spectrum for his commitment to upholding the parliamentary traditions. My thoughts are with his family, friends and followers in this sad hour. Om Shanti”.

Pained by the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Manohar Joshi ji. He distinguished himself as an astute leader who was widely admired across political spectrum for his commitment to upholding the parliamentary traditions.
My thoughts are with his family, friends and…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 23, 2024

Aaditya Thackeray, a leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), recognized Joshi as a trusted aide to Sena founder Bal Thackeray and a dedicated advocate for the rights of the Marathi people. Thackeray’s tribute highlighted Joshi’s pivotal role within the party.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Joshi. He extended heartfelt condolences to Joshi’s family, friends, and followers, wishing for peace for the departed soul.

The demise of Shri Manohar Joshi ji, a senior leader, former Lok Sabha Speaker and former CM of Maharashtra, is a big loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and followers during this difficult time. May the departed soul find eternal peace.

ॐ शान्ति 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uAHd2vb6Qn

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 23, 2024

Former CM and current Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of ex-CM Manohar Joshi. In a heartfelt tweet, Fadnavis mourned Joshi’s passing, highlighting their personal bond.

He tweets, “The news of the death of former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, former Speaker of Lok Sabha Manohar Joshi is very sad. I had a personal relationship with him..His contribution in political-social, and educational field of Maharashtra will never be forgotten. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him…”

Ajit Pawar, NCP leader, who is serving as Deputy Chief Minister alongside Devendra Fadnavis said “a leader fighting for the rights of Marathi people has passed into the pages of history”.

The outpouring of condolences from leaders all across India unequivocally underscores the paramount significance of Manohar Joshi’s legacy. His enduring contributions to politics and society have unequivocally left an indelible impression on the nation.