At the age of 86, former chief minister of Maharashtra Shri Manohar Joshi passed away today, Friday, February 23. The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha passed away at the private medical institution PD Hinduja Hospital, where he was taken following a heart attack on February 21, according to his family as reported by PTI. The Shiv Sena icon was taken to the same Hinduja Hospital in May of last year due to a brain hemorrhage. According to his family the funeral will take place at Dadar Shivaji Park Crematorium later in the day.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi Passes Away at 87
“He had been admitted to the ICU and was under observation. He had cardiac trouble on Wednesday. He had prolonged age-related health issues. We will be performing last rites at Shivaji Park crematorium and before this, the mortal remains will be brought to our house in Matunga.” Joshi’s son Unmesh told Hindustan Times in an interview.
Joshi’s admission to the ICU was previously announced by the hospital in a statement. “Mr Manohar Joshi, Ex-Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was admitted at P.D. Hinduja Hospital on 21st February 2024. He suffered a cardiac event and is severely ill. He is currently in the ICU under close observation and receiving the best medical care and treatment.”
Joshi served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2002 to 2004 in addition to serving as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999. Furthermore, he served as Minister of Public Enterprises and Heavy Industries from 1999 to 2002, and he was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.
Politicians paid their respects to Manohar Joshi
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, praised Joshi’s enormous contributions to politics, society, and education. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that with Joshi’s departure, a leader defending the rights of Marathi people became part of history.
According to former Union minister and NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Joshi was regarded in political circles as a direct leader who made an effort to complete tasks. He stated, “The death of Manohar Joshi is very sad. He was known in the political circles for his outspokenness and bold work attitude. Manohar Joshi 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 state. During his tenure as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, he was instrumental in setting up an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Parliament premises. My condolences to the Joshi family.”
