Mumbai, February 8: Eknath Shinde, the current Deputy Chief Minister and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has a remarkable story that resonates with many. Born into a poor family in Satara district on February 9, 1964, Shinde faced significant challenges in his early life, including the inability to pursue education due to financial constraints. To support his family, he worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, a role that taught him the value of hard work and integrity.
Reflecting on his past, Shinde stated, “I learned that whatever work you get, it should be done with honesty.” His interest in politics began to blossom in the 1980s when he was just 18 years old, amidst the political dominance of Anand Dighe in Satara. Joining the Shiv Sena, Shinde quickly became a prominent figure, actively participating in party demonstrations and gaining recognition among party leaders.
In an interview, he mentioned, “I started my political journey through social work. Leaders like Balasaheb Thackeray and my mentor Anand Dighe entrusted me with responsibilities, which I fulfilled diligently.” His dedication was evident as he even dug pits for Ganesh festivals, showcasing his commitment to serving the community.
Shinde’s political career took a significant turn in 1997 when he was nominated as a candidate for the Thane Municipal Corporation by the Shiv Sena. His hard work paid off as he won the election by a substantial margin. By 2001, he was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the municipal corporation. His strong ties within the Shiv Sena and his image as a dedicated party worker opened doors for further opportunities.
In 2004, Shinde was given a ticket for the assembly elections, which he won, further solidifying his position within the party. By 2014, he was elected as the Leader of the Opposition and later became a minister in the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government.
The turning point in Shinde’s political journey came when he took the oath of office as Chief Minister, following a rebellion that led to the ousting of Uddhav Thackeray’s government. This political upheaval was marked by a struggle for power between the BJP and Shiv Sena, which had previously won the assembly elections together.
After a brief period of political turmoil, Shinde managed to rally a majority of MLAs to his side, effectively taking control of the party and the government. Contrary to expectations that the Chief Minister would be from the BJP, Devendra Fadnavis surprised many by endorsing Shinde for the position.
Today, Eknath Shinde stands as a testament to resilience and determination, having transformed his life from an auto-rickshaw driver to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.