‘Left his indelible mark’: Party leaders pay tribute to Manohar Joshi

His cremation at a crematorium in Shivaji Park was attended by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, state ministers Shambhuraj Desai, Deepak Kesarkar, Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde among other prominent political leaders of the state.

As news of Joshi’s passing broke on Friday morning, condolences poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Eknath Shinde to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

“Pained by the passing away of Shri Manohar Joshi Ji. He was a veteran leader who spent years in public service and held various responsibilities at the municipal, state and national level. As Maharashtra CM, he worked tirelessly for the state’s progress. He also made noteworthy contributions as a Union Minister. During his tenure as the Lok Sabha Speaker, he strove to make our Parliamentary processes more vibrant and participative. Manohar Joshi Ji 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. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Pained by the passing away of Shri Manohar Joshi Ji. He was a veteran leader who spent years in public service and held various responsibilities at the municipal, state and national level. As Maharashtra CM, he worked tirelessly for the state’s progress. He also made noteworthy… pic.twitter.com/8SWCzUTEaj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu also shared her condolences with Joshi’s family and followers on X. “Sad to learn about the demise of Shri Manohar Joshi, a veteran leader who had served as Lok Sabha speaker and Maharashtra chief minister. In his long public life, Shri Joshi endeared himself to people, earned admiration for his sharp wit and intellect and was loved by leaders cutting across party lines.”

In a video message, Uddhav Thackeray said, “It is very unfortunate. Manohar Joshi had seen many ups and downs in his life but he never left Shiv Sena, he always stayed loyal to the party… When Balasaheb Thackeray was arrested, he was one of those arrested with him. His demise is a big loss to the party.” Uddhav — who was on a tour of Buldhana district and cut short his tour and cancelled scheduled meetings and rallies — said on Friday in Buldhana.

शिवसेनेचे जेष्ठ नेते, माजी मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर जोशीसरांना शिवसेनेच्या वतीने, शिवसेना परीवाराच्या वतीने भावपूर्ण श्रध्दांजली! pic.twitter.com/1IaGEVD7VS

— Office of Uddhav Thackeray (@OfficeofUT) February 23, 2024

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s tribute to Manohar Joshi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also praised Joshi’s vast experience as a parliamentarian. In a post on X, he said, “Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government was led by Sir. He had a knack of taking everyone along and respecting roles. He had vast experience of working in various positions such as corporator of Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Mayor, Member of Legislative Council, MLA, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, MP, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Speaker of Lok Sabha and Member of Rajya Sabha. I consider it my fortune that I got the opportunity to work under his guidance in Shiv Sena.”

अत्यंत दुःखद बातमी: विधानसभेतील माझे सहकारी राजेंद्र पाटणीजी यांचे आज निधन झाले. गेल्या काही महिन्यांपासून ते आजाराशी झुंज देत होते. ते या संकटातून बाहेर पडतील, अशी आम्हा सर्वांना आशा होती. पण आज त्यांची प्राणज्योत मालवली.
ग्रामीण प्रश्नांची जाण असलेला लोकप्रतिनिधी भाजपाने गमावला… pic.twitter.com/LsvH0n4upq

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2024

Ramesh Bais hailed Joshi as the most respected political leader in the state in his address regarding the leader’s death. In his condolence message, the Governor said, “A skilled organiser, outstanding parliamentarian, excellent orator, fiery opposition leader and respected Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Joshi left his indelible mark while discharging every role.”

Sharad Pawar’s tribute to the leader on X read, “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 on the Parliament premises. My condolences to the Joshi family.”

शिवसेनेचे ज्येष्ठ नेते, महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे माजी मुख्यमंत्री डॉ. मनोहर जोशी यांचे निधन अत्यंत दुःखद आहे. स्पष्टोक्ती आणि धडाडीने काम करण्याची वृत्ती या व्यक्तिगुणांनी राजकीय वर्तुळात त्यांची ओळख होती.

शिवसेनाप्रमुख बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांचे अत्यंत विश्वासू सहकारी अशी मनोहर जोशी… pic.twitter.com/zXjAxncGXq

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) February 23, 2024

Among other leaders who sent condolences and tributes at the demise of Joshi are Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Assam Hemanta Biswa Sarma, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJ) president JP Nadda, BJP vice president Baijayant Jay Panda, and BJP Maharashtra spokesperson Shweta Shalini.

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Manohar Joshi ji, former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His dedication to serving the nation and upholding parliamentary traditions was exemplary. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers. May…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 23, 2024