Here is a detailed profile of Uddhav Thackeray, highlighting his leadership and vision for Maharashtra:
Contents
Early Life and Background
- Born on July 27, 1960 in Mumbai to Bal Thackeray (founder of Shiv Sena) and Meenatai Thackeray
- Youngest of three sons, initially reluctant to join politics
- Pursued interests in photography, published photo books like ‘Maharashtra Desha’ and ‘Pahava Vitthal’
- Graduated from Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art with a focus on photography
Political Career
- Joined Shiv Sena in 2002, appointed campaign in-charge for Mumbai civic polls
- Became working president of Shiv Sena in 2003
- Took over as editor of party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ in 2006
- Elected as Shiv Sena president in 2013 after the death of Bal Thackeray
- Led Shiv Sena’s alliance with BJP in 2014 Maharashtra assembly elections
Tenure as Chief Minister (2019-2022)
- Broke away from BJP in 2019 after disagreement over power-sharing
- Formed Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance with NCP and Congress
- Sworn in as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28, 2019
- Focused on tackling COVID-19 pandemic, initiated welfare schemes like ‘Shiv Bhojan Thali’
- Resigned as CM in June 2022 after rebellion by Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena
Vision and Policies
- Committed to making Mumbai a world-class, climate-resilient city by 2050
- Initiated infrastructure projects like Coastal Road, proposed theme park at Race Course
- Emphasized development while protecting the environment (stayed Aarey car shed work)
- Supported welfare schemes for farmers, underprivileged communities
- Advocated for Marathi identity, sons of the soil agenda (Hindutva ideology)
Uddhav Thackeray emerged as a strong leader, steering Maharashtra through the COVID crisis and initiating development projects despite political challenges. His vision focused on transforming Mumbai into a global city while preserving its cultural identity and addressing the needs of the common people.
