Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, Indian politician and President of Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena, currently serving as the 20th and current Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is celebrating his  59 th birthday on February 9, 2023

Life Facts: From a rickshaw driver to being the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, a staunch Shiv Sainik, has come a long way. Shinde, who belongs to the politically influential Maratha community and hails from Satara district, is the fourth CM after YB Chavan, Babasaheb Bhosale and Prithviraj Chavan to assume the top post.

The BJP has kept Shinde on its radar because it wanted to take advantage of his resentment to overthrow the MVA administration because it was unable to accept losing power despite becoming the only major party in the 2019 assembly elections. Before executing the historic takeover, Shinde strengthened his leadership and offered support to party lawmakers and cadre who were dissatisfied with Thackeray's manner of conducting himself as the CM and party president, especially in the form of financial aid.

Shinde, a four-term lawmaker representing Thane's Kapri-Pachpakhadi assembly district, earned his name as a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis administration before serving as a project implementer in the MVA administration under Uddhav Thackeray. Due to the pandemic, Thackeray generally functioned from Matoshree or his official home, while Shinde stole the stage by helping those in need. Shinde, the minister of urban development and public works, was there at every incident, whether it included the pandemic, the Nisarga or Tauktae storms, significant accidents or building collapses, or even the murder of civilians by Naxals.

Due to financial difficulties and familial obligations, Shinde had to discontinue his studies midway. He moved to Thane, a Shiv Sena stronghold, and started working for a fish-selling company. But because of the pitiful pay, he quit and started driving rickshaws. He began working for the saffron party in the 1970s after being drawn to Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray's appeal to Marathi Manoos. He met the fiery Thane district chairman of the Shiv Sena, Anand Dighe, and grew close to him as they fought diligently for the Sena's unification.

Under Dighe's direction, Shinde developed into a savvy leader and problem-solver. He took involved in a number of protests, including the Maharashtra-Karnataka border protest. Many were shocked by his success because of his zeal, commitment, and capacity to seize an opportunity when one presented itself.

Wishing you a veryHappy birthday the great leader, Eknath Shinde..

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