Eknath Shinde Plans Grand Statue Of His Political Mentor Anand Dighe In Thane: Who Was He?

2 hours ago 6

ARTICLE AD BOX

Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 23:02 IST

Anand Dighe, a revered Shiv Sena leader in the Thane region, passed away in August 2001 after suffering a heart attack following an accident.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde bowing before late Anand Dighe's bust in Thane/ Image: X

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Friday announced that a 42-metre-tall statue of his political mentor Anand Dighe will come up in Thane city.

The announcement was made during the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the renovation of the clock tower at Shivaji Maidan, where the statue will be located.

Shinde said the revamped site would not only house the towering statue but also include several public-friendly amenities for visitors.

Anand Dighe, a revered Shiv Sena leader in the Thane region, passed away in August 2001 after suffering a heart attack following an accident.

“A budget of ₹11 crore has already been sanctioned for the project," Shinde said at the event. “When it comes to Dighe Saheb, because of whose blessings I became the chief minister, there will never be any paucity of funds," he added.

Who Was Anand Dighe?

As a 42-metre statue of Anand Dighe has been announced in Thane, the spotlight has once again turned to the late Shiv Sena leader, whose influence continues to shape the region’s politics more than two decades after his death.

Dighe, often referred to as the “Hindu Hriday Samrat of Thane," was one of the most powerful and respected leaders in the Shiv Sena during the 1990s.

Known for his grassroots connect and fierce loyalty to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Dighe built the party’s base in Thane district from the ground up, commanding unwavering support across communities.

A young Eknath Shinde with his political mentor Anand Dighe | File Image

Among those mentored by Dighe was Eknath Shinde, a young politician from a modest background, whom Dighe took under his wing in the late 1990s.

Shinde’s political journey, which began with humble roles in the local unit of the Shiv Sena, received a decisive boost due to Dighe’s support and trust in his capabilities.

Over the years, Dighe not only groomed Shinde but also positioned him as one of his closest aides—paving the way for Shinde’s eventual rise in the party.

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Location :

Thane, India, India

First Published:

News india Eknath Shinde Plans Grand Statue Of His Political Mentor Anand Dighe In Thane: Who Was He?

Read Entire Article