Maharashtra’s First Non-Congress CM Manohar Joshi Passes Away

Mumbai: A day after being hospitalised following a cardiac arrest, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi passed away on Friday. He was 86.

Joshi had been admitted to the intensive care unit of PD Hinduja Hospital.

“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,” the hospital had earlier informed.

He is survived by a son and two daughters.

According to his family, Joshi died at 3 am on Friday following prolonged age-related health issues. “We will be conducting his last rites at Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar at 3 pm prior to which he shall be at his residence from 11 am to 2 pm,” a statement by his family read.

Mourning his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X:  “Pained by the passing away of Manohar Joshi. He was a veteran leader who spent years in public service and held various responsibilities at the municipal, state and national level…He will also be remembered for his diligence as a legislator, having had the honour of serving in all four legislatures. Condolences to his family and supporters….”

Joshi was the first non-Congress chief minister of the state and the first Shiv Sena leader to hold the post from 1995 to 1999. He also served as Union minister of heavy industries and public enterprises between 1999 and 2002 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government. Subsequently, he was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004.

He also served as a Member of Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.