Thanekars on cloud nine as Eknath Shinde becomes new Maharashtra CM

Thane erupted in joy and celebrations after Eknath Shinde was declared the Maharashtra chief minister on Thursday. His supporters and Shiv Sena workers said the 58-year-old with humble beginnings has been an accessible politician and has always helped people. He deserves the top post, said Shinde's admirers.

mid-day visited Anand Math at Tembhi Naka, the seat of Shinde's mentor and late Sena strongman Anand Dighe. Many old-time Shiv Sainiks sat calmly, politely declining to comment on the twists and turns in the state's political landscape.

As usual, the place bustled with party activists and office-bearers. "This is not a place of politics. Anand Math is a temple of social work. We will continue working as usual. If any citizen in Thane needs help, we are here to assist them," said Jagdish Thorat, who manages affairs at Anand Math and is also Sena's deputy city chief in Thane. "We all come here to do social work. This place was started by the late Anand Dighe and that's all we wish to say."

Elsewhere in Thane, most Sainks, including those holding official Sena posts, said they were with Shinde. "I hold an official post in the Yuva Sena. But I'm with Shinde saheb. He has taken a step towards making a new Maharashtra. He is following the real Hindutva. If Shinde saheb asks us, I will resign from my post," said Namrata Bhosale, a former corporator.

Anand Math, the seat of Shinde's mentor and late Shiv Sena strongman Anand Dighe

Ramesh Bhosle came forward. "I'm a Shiv Sainik but I'm with Eknath Shinde saheb now. He is the one who is taking the right step for Hindutva and the future of the state. All of us citizens of Maharashtra saw his work during the pandemic and many other crises. We will always support him."

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Sunny Surose said he has been a Sena follower since his school days. "I like Shinde's style of working. This is a very proud moment for Thane as well as for Maharashtra. A man who is not from a political family can reach the chief minister's post. We are proud of him."

By Sameer Surve