New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed his birthday wishes to Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, acknowledging his relentless commitment to the state's development.

The Prime Minister utilized the social media platform X to share his heartfelt greetings and reminisced about Shinde's connection with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and the late leader Anand Dighe.

“Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji. He is diligently working to enhance Maharashtra’s progress and to fulfill the aspirations of Pujya Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharamveer Anand Dighe. I pray for his long life and good health,” PM Modi remarked.

Numerous senior political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also extended their birthday greetings to Dy CM Shinde.

Amit Shah's message emphasized Shinde’s dedication to public welfare and the state's advancement.

“Warmest birthday wishes to Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde. You are consistently engaged in remarkable efforts towards the state's development and public welfare. May Ganpati Bappa bless you with health and longevity,” Amit Shah expressed.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also recognized the Maharashtra leader, describing him as a beloved politician and wishing him well.

“Happy Birthday to the esteemed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde ji. I implore Lord Siddhivinayak for your good health and a long, illustrious life,” he stated.

Eknath Shinde was born on February 9, 1964, in Dare village in Satara district of Maharashtra. He was born into a Maratha family, which later relocated to Thane, a city near Mumbai, where he spent his formative years.

Shinde attended Mangala High School and Junior College in Thane, studying until Class 11. He left education early to support his family financially, initially working as an auto-rickshaw driver.

In 2014, he returned to his studies and achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University in 2020.

Shinde's political career commenced in the early 1980s when he was introduced to politics by Anand Dighe, the then Shiv Sena president in Thane. He became a prominent labor leader through various Shiv Sena movements in the Wagle Estate area.

In 1984, he was designated as a Sakha Pramukh in Thane, a significant organizational position within the party. His influence in local politics continued to grow, leading to his election as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1997 and his subsequent appointment as the Leader of the House in 2001.

Following Anand Dighe's passing in 2001, Shinde positioned himself as the political successor to his legacy in Thane, further solidifying his base.

Shinde’s achievements in local governance paved the way for his entry into the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where he was elected as an MLA for the first time in 2004. The following year, he was appointed as the Shiv Sena’s Thane district head.

His political presence continued to grow, leading to re-elections in 2009, 2014, and 2019.

Throughout his legislative tenure, Shinde held various pivotal roles within the Maharashtra government, including serving as Minister for Public Works (Public Undertakings) from 2014 to 2019, alongside his role as Guardian Minister of Thane district.

In 2018, he was appointed the Leader of the Shiv Sena in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and later became the Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare in 2019, also taking on additional responsibilities such as Urban Development and Public Works.

During his ministerial tenure, particularly during Devendra Fadnavis’ first term as Chief Minister, Shinde is believed to have fostered closer ties with the BJP.

In 2022, Shinde spearheaded a revolt within the Shiv Sena, ultimately resulting in a faction split. He advocated for a breakup of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance and reinstatement of relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing ideological rifts and dissatisfaction with the treatment from the Congress and NCP.

Many within the party echoed his grievances, and he successfully garnered support from over two-thirds of the Shiv Sena MLAs.

In June 2022, Shinde and several MLAs relocated to Surat in Gujarat, triggering a significant political upheaval in Maharashtra that led to Uddhav Thackeray resigning as Chief Minister.

Subsequently, Shinde formed a new government in coalition with the BJP, being sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with Devendra Fadnavis taking the role of Deputy Chief Minister.

Upon taking office as Chief Minister, Shinde claimed the Shiv Sena party name and symbols, resulting in a prolonged dispute with the Uddhav Thackeray faction. The matter proceeded to court, and the Election Commission of India later recognized Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena.

The Election Commission also criticized amendments made to the party’s constitution under Uddhav Thackeray in 2018, labeling them as undemocratic and excessively centralized.

Under Shinde’s guidance, the Shiv Sena secured seven seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In 2024, Shinde took the oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister under the leadership of the Devendra Fadnavis government.