Eknath Shinde is the man credited with altering the political landscape in Maharashtra. His has been a meteoric rise - from humble beginnings to being in charge of one of the most significant states of India.
Shinde did odd jobs early in his career, and came under the influence of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and party’s Thane district chief Anand Dighe during the time. He joined the Shiv Sena in the 1980s and was soon appointed as a Shakha Pramukh.
The 58-year-old was elected to the Maharashtra Assembly for four consecutive terms in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, and has been in charge of planning major Shiv Sena gatherings.
Following his victory in 2014, Shinde, the most popular leader was chosen to represent the Shiv Sena legislative party. He later served as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly for a short time. In the Sena-BJP government, he was appointed PWD minister. On 30th June 2022, Eknath Shinde was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra.