Manohar Joshi, stalwart who wore many hats

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi died at Hinduja Hospital early on Friday He was 86 The veteran leader had been admitted on February 21 after suffering a cardiac arrestLeaders across party lines including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MNS chief Raj Thackeray visited Joshirsquos Matunga residence to pay their respects to the veteran politician before his last rites were conducted at Bhagoji Baluji Keer Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi in Dadar on Friday afternoon The stalwart was accorded a guard of honour and a last salute from the police forceThe leader is accorded a guard of honour at the Bhagoji Baluji Keer Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi in Dadar PicsSayyed Sameer AbediJoshi Sir as he was popularly known was the first chief minister of the undivided Shiv Sena and held the post from 1995 to 1999Over the course of an enviable decadeslong political career besides being the first nonCongress chief minister of the state Joshi served as a corporator mayor member of Vidhan Parishad Vidhan Sabha Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha and Union ministerlsquoHe was a true Shiv SainikrsquoAn emotional Uddhav Thackeray eulogised Joshi a close confidant of his father Bal Thackeray saying ldquoManohar Joshi chief minister Union minister speaker of Lok Sabha Yes but more than that he was a true Shiv Sainik Manohar Joshi was with us even during the crisis split in party He always stayed loyal to the Shiv Sena He was imprisoned with my father and Dattaji Salvi Shiv Sena leader and trade unionist too Manohar Joshi was a firstgeneration leader of Shiv Sena Young Shiv Sainiks are still taking inspiration from him The Shiv Sena still rises after overcoming crises Although efforts are being made to end the Shiv Sena even today it is not ending but growingrdquoShinde hailed Joshi as a ldquodisciplined and firm leader who had great loyalty to Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray and contributed wholeheartedly to build MaharashtrardquoldquoHe had a deep affection for Maharashtra and the Marathispeaking people He was recognised as a scholarly and cultured face in Maharashtra politics Sir was very humble moderate courteous and disciplined His achievements and contributions in the political social and educational fields of Maharashtra were radical He was passionate about the field of education That is why he turned the youth towards technical education through Kohinoor Technical Institute Shinde saidUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was saddened by the news of Joshirsquos passing ldquoWith Sirs demise the civilised face of Maharashtra politics has been lost We have lost a leader who was very humble and passionate about Maharashtra as well as the Marathi manoosrdquo he saidNationalist Congress PartySharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar who attended the funeral said Joshi was known in political circles for his outspokenness and bold work attitude ldquoHe 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 staterdquo Pawar saidDevendra Fadnavis deputy chief minister said he had shared a personal relationship with Joshi ldquoHe completed all stages in his political life from corporator to mayor MLA to chief minister and MP to Lok Sabha speaker He was known as a very disciplined moderate and studious leader Be it in his personal life or political life was always particular about time His contribution in the sociopolitical and educational fields of Maharashtra will never be forgottenrdquoGajanan Kirtikar Shiv Sena Shinde faction MP said ldquoSir 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 forgottenrdquoFormer Mayor Vishakha Raut ldquoSir was never late Even when he was chief minister and Lok Sabha speaker he was always on timerdquo1995Year Manohar Joshirsquos term as CM beganThe storied career of a trailblazer1967Elected as corporator1972Elected to legislative council197677Served as mayor of Mumbai1990Served as Leader of Opposition in legislative assemblyMarch 14 1995 to January 31 1999Served as chief minister1999Represented the Mumbai North Central seat in LS1999 to 2002Served as Union minister of heavy industry and public enterprises2002 to 2004Served as Lok Sabha speaker2006Elected to RS where he remained an MP till 2012