Recognized as one of the most noteworthy political figures of India, Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, the former Speaker of Lok Sabha and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, recently passed away at the age of 86. Shri. Manohar Joshi’s death marks the end of an era known for dedication, service, and political wisdom. His long journey, starting as a Municipal Councilor to the Lok Sabha Speaker, showed strong commitment and leadership, leaving a lasting impact in the realm of politics.
Shri. Manohar Joshi’s political journey started as a corporator in the Bombay Municipal Corporation in 1968, now called the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In 1972, Manohar Joshi was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, serving three terms until 1989. He served as the Mayor of Mumbai from 1976 to 1977. In 1990, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly from a Shiv Sena ticket and assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition. Manohar Joshi made history by becoming Maharashtra’s first non-Congress Chief Minister when the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition assumed power in 1995. His political journey took him to the Lok Sabha after winning in Central Mumbai during the 1999 General Elections. He also served as the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2002. He served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2002 to 2004 under the NDA administration. In 2006, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term. Thus, he had achieved a Grand Slam of Indian politics by getting elected to both the Houses of State Legislature and both the Houses of Parliament.
Manohar Joshi was one of the most trusted leaders of Balasaheb Thackeray. In 1995, when Balasaheb Thackeray made it clear that he would not be the Chief Minister from the saffron alliance, Manohar Joshi became the natural choice for the coveted position. As a Chief Minister, Manohar Joshi remained dedicated to serving the state and its people. The start of the Jhunka Bhakar programme on a massive scale to make cheap meals available for the poor in Maharashtra was one of the salient programs of his government. The construction of the much-talked-about Mumbai-Pune Expressway was initiated during his tenure.
Apart from politics, Manohar Joshi’s impact reached into education and business. With degrees in M.A. and LLB from Mumbai University, he was involved in various areas, from teaching to entrepreneurship. He dedicated himself to helping the underprivileged and supporting the youth through different initiatives. He was the founder of the Kohinoor Technical Institute, who always advocated that the Marathi youth should take to entrepreneurship instead of running after jobs. He was “Joshi Sir” to his students and followers alike as well as to the entire political class as well as the state of Maharashtra.
Manohar Joshi was a man of many interests, including theater, social work, and sports, which made him popular across society. He also wrote two books ‘Prashasan’ and ‘Swachh Mumbai’ in Marathi, showing his dedication to social progress and cultural development. He has a doctorate from the University of Mumbai and he did his Ph D on his party Shiv Sena. Apart from his political work, Manohar Joshi also led various parliamentary groups and associations, such as the Indian Parliamentary Group and the National Group of Inter-Parliamentary Union.
His faith and commitment to democracy was so profound that he rose above political lines and shaped the collective good of the nation. Even in retirement, Manohar Joshi remained dedicated to the ideals of democracy, as demonstrated by his enthusiastic support for the National Legislators’ Conference, Bharat, which saw the participation of more than 2200 MLAs & MLCs from all political parties of Bharat.
While remembering his contribution, Rahul V. Karad, Founder Convener of NLC Bharat said in gratitude, “I vividly remember his childlike enthusiasm when I requested him to invite the legislators along with other Hon’ble Patrons. Personally, I find it challenging to express the depth of my emotions at the loss of Dr. Manohar Joshi Ji. His demise leaves a void that words cannot adequately fill, yet his memory will forever reside in our hearts. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family and followers find solace in the cherished legacy he leaves behind.”
Despite holding prestigious positions in public life, he always remained humble and accessible to common people. His ability to connect with citizens and address their concerns showcased his down-to-earth nature. His life, characterized by knowledge, public service, maturity, sensibility, and ideal behavior, serves as a profound lesson for current and future generations.
Shri Manohar Joshi Ji’s influence extends far beyond politics, touching the lives of those he inspired with his vision and compassion. As Maharashtra offers farewell to one of its favorite sons, we may recall the words of Abraham Lincoln who said “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s life in your years.“
Vidhan Bharat 
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