PM Modi Greets Eknath Shinde on Birthday, Hails His Role in Advancing Maharashtra’s Development

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended warm birthday greetings to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, lauding his tireless efforts towards the state’s development and his commitment to fulfilling the vision of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and late leader Anand Dighe. The Prime Minister’s message highlighted Shinde’s journey, dedication and continuing role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and developmental landscape.

Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes and praised the Deputy Chief Minister’s work ethic and public service. “Birthday wishes to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji. He is working tirelessly towards furthering Maharashtra’s development and realising the dreams of Pujya Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharamveer Anand Dighe. Praying for his long life and good health,” the Prime Minister wrote.

The birthday greetings triggered an outpouring of wishes from political leaders across the country, reflecting Shinde’s prominence in national and state politics. Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his congratulations, commending Shinde’s contribution to public welfare and governance in Maharashtra. “Heartiest birthday wishes to Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde. You are continuously doing commendable work towards the development of the state and public welfare. May Ganpati Bappa grant you good health and long life,” Shah said in his message.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also joined in, describing Shinde as a popular leader and praying for his well-being. “Happy Birthday to the popular politician, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde ji. I pray to Lord Siddhivinayak ji for your good health, long and glorious life,” Adityanath said.

Born on February 9, 1964, in Dare village of Satara district, Eknath Shinde hails from a Maratha family. His early life was marked by modest circumstances. The family later shifted to Thane, on the outskirts of Mumbai, where Shinde spent his formative years. He studied at Mangala High School and Junior College in Thane and completed his education up to Class 11 before discontinuing his studies to support his family financially. Before entering active politics, Shinde worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, a phase that shaped his grassroots connect and understanding of the struggles of ordinary citizens.

Years later, Shinde resumed his education, underlining his belief in lifelong learning. In 2020, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, a milestone that resonated with many who saw it as an example of perseverance and self-improvement.

Shinde’s political journey began in the early 1980s under the mentorship of Anand Dighe, the powerful Shiv Sena leader in Thane and a close associate of Balasaheb Thackeray. Under Dighe’s guidance, Shinde cut his teeth in politics, leading several Shiv Sena agitations in the Wagle Estate area and establishing himself as a prominent labour leader. His organisational skills and ability to mobilise grassroots support quickly earned him recognition within the party.

In 1984, Shinde was appointed Sakha Pramukh in Thane, a key organisational position that marked the beginning of his rise in local politics. His influence expanded steadily, and in 1997, he was elected as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation. Four years later, in 2001, he was appointed Leader of the House in the civic body, further consolidating his standing.

Following Anand Dighe’s death in 2001, Shinde emerged as his political successor in Thane, carrying forward his mentor’s legacy and strengthening the Shiv Sena’s base in the region. His success at the municipal level paved the way for entry into state politics. Shinde was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 2004 and was appointed Shiv Sena’s Thane district head in 2005. He went on to win successive Assembly elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019, underlining his strong voter connect.

During his legislative career, Shinde held several important ministerial portfolios. Between 2014 and 2019, he served as Minister for Public Works (Public Undertakings) and also functioned as Guardian Minister of Thane district. In 2018, he was appointed Leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party in the Assembly. In 2019, he took charge as Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare and later held additional responsibilities, including Urban Development and Public Works. For a brief period, he also served as acting Home Minister.

It was during this phase, particularly under Devendra Fadnavis’ first term as Chief Minister, that Shinde is believed to have developed closer working ties with the BJP leadership. These relationships later played a crucial role in Maharashtra’s political realignment.

In 2022, Shinde led a dramatic revolt within the Shiv Sena, citing ideological differences and dissatisfaction with the party’s alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party under the Maha Vikas Aghadi. He managed to secure the support of more than two-thirds of Shiv Sena MLAs. The crisis peaked when Shinde and his supporters moved to Surat in Gujarat, eventually leading to the resignation of then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Soon after, Shinde formed a new government with the BJP and was sworn in as Maharashtra’s 20th Chief Minister in June 2022, with Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy. The subsequent dispute over the Shiv Sena’s name and symbol culminated in the Election Commission recognising Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena, while also criticising constitutional amendments made under the previous leadership.

Under Shinde’s leadership, the Shiv Sena secured seven seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Later that year, following a change in leadership, Shinde took oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, continuing to play a central role in the state’s governance.

As birthday wishes poured in, the day also served as a reminder of Eknath Shinde’s long political journey — from humble beginnings to the upper echelons of power — and his enduring influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape.