Manohar Joshi was an Indian politician who is known for serving as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999. He held a prominent position within the Shiv Sena and was one of its key leaders. Many media accounts show his loyalty to the Thackerays, with him being a follower of Bal Thackeray. He often expressed his love for him by stating, “Balasaheb is my leader.” He is also one of the Indians to be elected at all four legislatures. He died on 23 February 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Manohar Gajanan Joshi was born on Thursday, 2 December 1937 (age 86 years; at the time of death) in Nandavi, Raigad district, Maharashtra. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai. He also pursued a master’s degree in law and a PhD at Mumbai University. Born into a poor family, he supported himself through madukari, receiving alms reserved for those who have undergone the thread ceremony. He also worked as a waiter in inns and served as a peon in Mumbai. Manohar relocated to Mumbai for his education due to the limited educational opportunities in his village. After reaching Mumbai, he was drawn to the grassroots politics championed by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, who later became his mentor, ultimately leading him to enter the realm of politics.
Manohar Joshi with Bal Thackeray
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper (Semi-Bald)
Eye Colour: Black
Family
He was born into a poor Brahmin family.
Parents & Siblings
Manohar’s father’s name is Gajanan Krishna Joshi and his mother’s name is Saraswati Gajanan.
Wife & Children
Manohar got married to Anagha Joshi on 14 May 1964. His wife passed away in 2020.
Manohar Joshi with his wife
Together they have a son, Unmesh and two daughters, Asmita and Namrata.
Manohar Joshi’s son
Other Relatives
Joshi’s granddaughter, Sharvari Wagh, entered the film industry with the 2021 film “Bunty Aur Babli 2.” 
Career
Politics
Joshi began his career as a teacher and entered politics in 1967. Upon finishing his studies in 1968, he commenced his career as an officer at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In 1972, he embarked on his political journey by securing a seat in the Legislative Council representing the Shiv Sena. He held this position for three consecutive terms until 1989. Additionally, he assumed the role of Mayor of Mumbai from 1976 to 1977.
Manohar Joshi after being elected as the Mayor
In 1990, he secured a seat in the Legislative Assembly as a candidate from the Shiv Sena. From 1995 to 1999, he held the position of Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His tenure marked a significant milestone as he became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Maharashtra when the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition assumed power in 1995. However, the first non-Congress government in Maharashtra was led by Sharad Pawar in 1978, a member of the Indian National Congress (Socialist) at the time. As per many party members, he became the Chief Minister on 14 March 1995 winning over his uncle and frontrunner for the CM position, Sudhir Joshi. Thackeray asserted that Manohar’s intellect and business knowledge were superior, and he enjoyed good relations with other leaders, particularly Sharad Pawar of the Congress party. While serving as Chief Minister, the Maharashtra government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hindujas. However, upon discovering this arrangement, Bal Thackeray voiced his dissatisfaction, feeling marginalized in the decision-making process. During his tenure as Chief Minister, the Maharashtra government launched a substantial slum rehabilitation program. The objective of this initiative was to offer complimentary housing to slum dwellers residing in makeshift huts before 1995. The construction of the Bombay Pune Expressway took place during Joshi’s tenure as Chief Minister. He established the Jagatik Marathi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, he organized the Advantage Maharashtra Conference to stimulate industrial investments within the state. Furthermore, he coordinated the Agro Advantage Maharashtra program aimed at supporting farmers and organized an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technology. He authored a book titled “Swachh Mumbai; Harit Mumbai” in Marathi, which centred on environmental issues and the Clean Mumbai Movement. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he encountered conflicts with various leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal in 1991. Bhujbal voiced discontent when Bal Thackeray appointed Joshi as the Opposition leader, leading to Bhujbal’s leaving the party. During the 1999 General Elections, he secured a seat in the Lok Sabha representing Central Mumbai. Joshi served as the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise from October 1999 to May 2002 in the administration led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Between 2002 and 2004, he held the position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. On 20 March 2006, he secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha after facing defeat in the prior Lok Sabha election in the Central Mumbai constituency. Despite his withdrawal from politics, he maintained a consistent presence, regularly attending all gatherings at the Thackerays’ residence, “Matoshree.”
Educator
He started the Kohinoor Technical/Vocational Training Institute to provide training as electricians, plumbers, TV/radio/scooter repairmen and photographers to semi-skilled youngsters. Later, he started many more branches of Kohinoor in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik. He also started a construction and capital-oriented business. He established the Kohinoor Business School and the Kohinoor-IMI School of Hospitality Management in Khandala, Maharashtra. He also assumed the Chancellorship of Dnyaneshwar Vidyapeeth.
Controversies
Alleged for provoking riots in Ayodhya
Amidst the 1992-1993 riots sparked by the Babri Masjid’s demolition in Ayodhya, both Joshi and Bal Thackeray were seen encouraging Shivsainiks to engage in violence against Muslims following the Indian government’s directive for an inquiry known as the Srikrishna Commission Report. Joshi, a member of the BJP-Shiv Sena government during that period, denounced the report as “anti-Hindu, pro-Muslim, and biased,” declaring his refusal to acknowledge the commission’s suggestions.
Biased allotment of land
During his tenure as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he sanctioned a piece of land in Pune to a developer known to his son-in-law, Girish Vyas for a school project. In 1998, Girish constructed a residential complex named Sundew on the allotted land. However, in January 1999, Joshi resigned from his position following an investigation initiated by RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar from Pune. In March 2009, the Bombay High Court deemed the housing complex illegal. In 2011, the Supreme Court of India ruled on the matter and imposed a fine of Rs. 15,000. Despite labelling the allegations as “political vendetta,” Joshi accepted Thackeray’s request to step down from his position. Later, the building was repurposed for a school.
Assets/Properties
Movable Assets
- Deposits in Banks: Rs. 10,39,437
- Bonds, Debentures and Shares: Rs. 5,88,734
- Motor Vehicles: Rs. 15,20,500
- Other assets: Rs. 12,11,861
Immovable Assets
- Agricultural Land: Rs. 1,50,00,000
- Non-Agricultural Land: Rs. 30,00,000
- Commercial Buildings: Rs. 1,29,00,000
- Residential Buildings: Rs. 99,00,000
Note: The given estimates of assets do not include assets owned by his wife and dependents.
Net Worth
Rs. 4 Crore
Note: The given estimates of assets do not include assets owned by his wife and dependents.
Death
In May 2023, he was hospitalized at PD Hinduja Hospital in a “semi-comatose state” following a brain haemorrhage. On 23 February 2024, at the age of 86, he passed away in Mumbai. He experienced a cardiac arrest on 22 February 2024 and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hinduja Hospital. His final rites were performed at the Shivaji Park crematorium. Officials stated that he received a state funeral.
Last rites of Manohar Joshi
Facts/Trivia
- He was known by the names Joshi sir and Manohar Pant by his party leaders.
- In September 2022, Joshi was appointed as an important patron of NLC Bharat.
- In September 2023, Sada Sarvankar, an MLA aligned with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, made a significant statement in a widely shared video. He alleged that Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut had incited him to attack Joshi’s residence at Shivaji Park in 2009. Despite the claim lacking evidence, tensions between Joshi and Uddhav Thackeray were observed by party members, especially after the passing of Bal Thackeray in 2012.
- In 2013, tensions between Uddhav Thackeray and Manohar reached a peak. During the Shiv Sena’s annual Dussehra rally, Joshi, who was traditionally seated beside Bal Thackeray at all events, was forced to leave the stage. It was reported that supporters of Uddhav within the party were unhappy with Joshi’s remarks. Joshi had commented that the leadership approach of the Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray was not as assertive as it had been under Bal Thackeray.
- In a statement, Gajanan Kirtikar, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP talked about Joshi and said,
Sir was known for discipline. I have worked with him in the party as well as in the state government. He was very punctual. He had a vision of development. He was a chief minister who worked at the ground level. His contribution to building Maharashtra as well the education field will never be forgotten.”
- He had a deep affection for Maharashtra and the Marathi-speaking people.
- He completed his doctoral thesis on the Shiv Sena, earning a PhD degree.
Categories: Politics
Source: dienchau2.edu.vn
