Early Life and Education

Eknath Sambhaji Shinde was born on February 9, 1964, in the Jawali taluka of Satara district, Maharashtra. He belongs to a Maratha family, known for their strong community presence and socio-political involvement. Shinde moved to Thane in his early years, where he completed his education. He initially worked as an auto-rickshaw driver before entering politics, a journey that reflects his grassroots connections and understanding of the common man's struggles.

Education:
Shinde completed his higher secondary education in Thane, Maharashtra. His early life was marked by financial hardships, which fueled his desire to enter public service and address the issues faced by his community.

Political Career

Eknath Shinde?s political career began in the late 1980s when he joined the Shiv Sena under the guidance of Balasaheb Thackeray, the party's founder. His entry into politics was motivated by his desire to work for the welfare of the underprivileged, particularly in the Thane region.

Positions Held:

1. Corporator: Shinde started his political journey as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1997. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and effectiveness.
2. Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA): Shinde was first elected as an MLA from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane in 2004. He has been re-elected from the same constituency in every subsequent election, showcasing his strong electoral support.
3. Cabinet Minister: Shinde held various ministerial portfolios in the Maharashtra government, including Public Works Department (Public Undertakings) and Urban Development, which are critical areas for the state's infrastructure and urban planning.

Current Position:

• Chief Minister of Maharashtra: On June 30, 2022, Eknath Shinde took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra after leading a major political rebellion within the Shiv Sena, which resulted in the collapse of the previous government.

Major Achievements

1. Infrastructure Development: As the Minister of Urban Development, Shinde played a pivotal role in various infrastructure projects, including the development of roads, bridges, and metro projects across Maharashtra. His efforts in the expansion and modernization of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have been particularly noted.
2. Public Welfare Schemes: Shinde has been instrumental in launching and implementing several welfare schemes, particularly in healthcare and housing for the poor. His work in the "Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree" scheme, which supports the girl child, has been widely appreciated.
3. Political Reforms: Shinde's leadership during the political turmoil in Maharashtra, where he orchestrated a successful rebellion within the Shiv Sena to form a new government, is considered a significant political achievement. This move not only showcased his political acumen but also his influence within the party ranks.

Key Political Initiatives

1. Mumbai and Pune Metro Network
   • Mumbai Metro: Comprehensive 14-line network with ongoing expansions, expected completion by 2026.
   • Pune Metro: North-South (Purple Line) and East-West (Aqua Line) corridors, spanning 33.2 km with 30 stations, expected completion by the end of 2024.
2. Samruddhi Mahamarg
   • Phase 1: Nagpur-Shirdi stretch (520 km) was inaugurated in December 2022.
   • Phase 2: Shirdi to Bharvir village (80 km) was inaugurated on 27 May 2024.
   • Remaining Stretch: Igatpuri to Vadpe (100 km), expected completion by March 2025.
3. Urban Renewal Projects
   • Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Underway with Adani Group?s investment, expected completion date not specified yet but progress is ongoing.
   • Thane Cluster Development: Inaugurated on 5 June 2024, ongoing with substantial development planned for the next few years.
4. Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor
   • Phase 1: Navghar to Chirner (79 km), expected completion by 2026.
   • Phase 2: Chirner to Alibaug (47 km), expected completion by 2026.
5. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
   • Overall Project: Estimated to cost Rs 108,000 crore, with expected completion of the first trial run between Surat and Bilimora scheduled for August 2026.

Additional Projects:

• Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL): Ongoing progress with expected completion in the coming years.
• Coastal Road Project in Mumbai: Under construction with targeted milestones.
• Pune-Nashik High-Speed Rail: Ongoing, with progress updates to follow.
• Nashik Metro: Under development, with expected updates on timelines.
• Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Under development with various phases nearing completion. (IndianInfraHub)

Controversy

Eknath Shinde?s decision to separate from Uddhav Thackeray and break away from the original Shiv Sena was influenced by several factors. Here are some key reasons:

1. Leadership Disputes: There were disagreements over leadership within the party. Eknath Shinde aspired to a more prominent role, while Uddhav Thackeray held the position of party chief.
2. Political Ambitions: Shinde wanted to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. When the opportunity arose due to the political crisis in 2022, he aligned with the BJP to form a government, sidelining Thackeray.
3. MLA Defections: The defection of MLAs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance weakened Thackeray?s position. Shinde capitalized on this situation to assert his leadership.
4. Symbol and Name Dispute: The Election Commission?s decision to allocate different symbols and names to the two factions further intensified the split. Shinde?s faction received the name ?Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena? and a distinct symbol.

• June 2022: A crisis emerged in Maharashtra politics after close to 50 MLAs defected from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which included the Shiv Sena, Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party.
• 23 - 26 June 2022: Eknath Shinde, along with around 40 Sena MLAs, declared himself the leader of the Shiv Sena legislature party. They sought support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray was left with only 15 MLAs supporting him.
• 30 June 2022: Eknath Shinde was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra after Uddhav Thackeray resigned following the Supreme Court?s refusal to stay Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari?s direction for a floor test in the Assembly. Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP became the Deputy Chief Minister.
• October 2022: The Election Commission issued an interim order, freezing the ?bow and arrow? election symbol of the Shiv Sena for the Andheri (East) Assembly bypoll.?The EC allotted the flaming torch (mashal) and the name ?Shiv Sena ? Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray? to the Thackeray faction, while Shinde?s faction received the name ?Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena? and a two swords-and-shield symbol.

Maratha Quota Controversy

The Maratha quota controversy in Maharashtra revolves around the state?s attempt to provide reservations for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. Initially, a law granting 10% reservation was passed, but it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021. A new law was introduced, which does not affect the existing OBC quota and allows Marathas to qualify for reservations under two categories. However, this has led to tensions with the OBC community, which fears a dilution of its quota, and demands from other groups like Muslims for similar reservations. The situation remains complex and contentious, with ongoing debates and legal challenges.

Social Media and Public Engagement

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Personal Life

Eknath Shinde is married to Lata Shinde, and the couple has two children. His son, Shrikant Shinde, is also actively involved in politics and serves as a Member of Parliament from the Kalyan constituency.

Shinde is known for his simple lifestyle and strong community ties. Despite his high political stature, he remains closely connected to his roots, often participating in local cultural and social events.

Promises and Future Commitments

The Maharashtra government has officially awarded the Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project to Adani Realty. This ambitious project aims to transform Asia?s second-largest slum cluster. Adani Realty emerged as the highest bidder for the redevelopment of Mumbai?s Dharavi, committing an initial investment of ?5,069 crore against a base price of ?1,600 crore. The project is estimated to cost around ?23,000 crores and spans 2.8 square kilometers.?Over 56,000 families will be rehabilitated, and both residential and commercial spaces will be renewed

The?Ladli Behen Yojna?is a welfare scheme launched by the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to support women aged 21 to 65 by providing them with a monthly financial aid of ?1,500.?The scheme is designed to enhance the economic independence, health, and nutrition of women in the state.

1. Environmental Initiatives: Shinde has urged the public to reduce the use of polluting plastics and has emphasized environmental awareness.
2. Strict Action Against Illegal Activities: He has directed strict actions against illegal pubs and structures, particularly those linked to narcotic substances, to make cities like Pune drug-free.
3. Flood Relief and Redevelopment: Shinde has promised special status and redevelopment for houses affected by floods, aiming to provide a permanent solution to frequent flooding issues.
4. Accessible Governance: Shinde has committed to keeping the doors of his official residence open to the public 24/7, ensuring that people can bring their grievances and appeals directly to him.

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