Eknath Shinde

Eknath Shinde was born on February 9, 1964, in Satara, Maharashtra, into a Maratha family. Seeking better opportunities, his family relocated to Thane during his early years.

Facing financial challenges, Shinde began working early to support his family, even driving an autorickshaw during difficult times. Encouraged by his wife Lata, he became a labour leader at Wagle Industrial Estate in Thane.

Inspired by the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray from his youth, Shinde entered politics in the 1980s, joining Shiv Sena under the mentorship of Anand Dighe, a senior leader in the party. He gained prominence as a street-smart leader and problem solver, participating in various agitations, including the Maharashtra-Karnataka border agitation, during which he was arrested and imprisoned for 40 days.

In 1997, Shinde assumed his first significant political role as a corporator of Thane Municipal Corporation. He later served as an MLA for four consecutive terms, holding key ministerial positions such as Minister of Public Works, Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Urban Development and Public Works, and Minister of Home Affairs.

A dedicated Shiv Sainik, Shinde was disheartened by the political alliances Shiv Sena pursued in Maharashtra. He successfully re-established an alliance with the BJP, leading to his appointment as the 20th Chief Minister, with Devendra Fadnavis of the Bharatiya Janata Party serving as Deputy Chief Minister.

On a personal note, Shinde is married to Lata, a pillar of strength throughout his life. They tragically lost their younger children, Deepesh and Shubhada, in a holiday accident in 2000 when their boat capsized. Their surviving son, Shrikant, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Lok Sabha member from the Kalyan constituency since 2014.