Here's everything you need to know about former Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray and his wife, Rashmi, who have played a crucial role in his political journey.
Uddhav Thackeray is the president of Shiv Sena (UBT) and continues to play a major role in Maharashtra's political space. In September 2024, Uddhav admitted that he has no aspirations of becoming Maharashtra's next chief minister. He also added that he didn't desire a lucrative position back in 2019 when MVA came into office. However, Uddhav Thackeray clearly stated that no matter whether he is actively involved in politics or not, he will continue to stand for people.
Uddhav Thackeray dominated headlines on October 14, 2024, when news portals reported that the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader had been admitted to the Reliance Hospital. According to a tweet by IANS, Uddhav was unwell, and due to his long history of angioplasty, he was admitted straight to the Reliance Hospital. The tweet further revealed that the politician was undergoing numerous tests to ensure there weren't any blockages in his heart arteries.
As soon as the reports of Uddhav Thackeray being admitted to Reliance Hospital started panicking with a massive fanbase nationwide, his son, Aaditya Thackeray shared a major update on Twitter. The doting son took to his official X handle and penned a tweet in which he stated that his father's visit to Reliance Hospital was a pre-planned one and shared that everything was perfectly fine. His tweet can be read as:
"This morning, Uddhav Thackeray ji did a pre-planned detailed checkup at the Sir HN Reliance Hospital. With your best wishes, All is well, and he is fully ready to get to work and serve the people."
Uddhav Bal Thackeray, better known as Udhav Thackeray is one of the biggest political figures in India. He served as the ninetenth chief minister of Maharashtra from 2019 to 2022. The politician was born on July 27, 1960, to his parents, Balasaheb Thackeray and Meena Thackeray. He completed his schooling from Mumbai's Balmohan Vidyamandir and took admission to Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art with photography as his major subject. Before becoming a full-time politician, Uddhav Thackeray worked as a professional photographer for some time.
Balasaheb Thackeray's son, Uddhav Thackeray, kick-started his political journey back in 2002 when he worked as a campaign in-charge for Shiv Sena during the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. In 2006, Uddhav was appointed as the chief editor of Shiv Sena's mouthpiece, Saamana (Marathi-language newspaper). He broke ties with his cousin, Raj Thackeray, in 2006 after the latter decided to make his own party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. After the unfortunate demise of Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav became the leader of Shiv Sena in 2013 and in 2019, he parted ways with NDA to join UPA, and the rest is history.
Uddhav Thackeray got married to Rashmi Patankar in 1989. While Uddhav belongs to one of India's most powerful political families, Rashmi comes from a normal family. However, the way she has transformed into a political tactician is astonishing. For the uninitiated, Rashmi has played a crucial role in fueling her husband, Uddhav Thackeray's dream of becoming Maharashtra's chief minister. Multiple reports indicate that Rashmi motivated and supported Uddhav, enabling the latter to make the most of his political career in such a short period. Uddhav and Rashmi have two sons, Aaditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray.
Not everyone is aware of the fact that Uddhav Thackeray's wife, Rashmi Thackeray, is one of the most educated people in the Thackeray family. After completing her formal schooling at a reputed school in Maharashtra, Rashmi took admission to VG Vaze College and pursued a bachelor's degree in commerce. Rashmi worked at the Life Insurance Corporation of India as a contract employee back in 1987. However, after her marriage to Uddhav, she became the editor-in-chief of Saamana and Marmik. As per political experts, she played a crucial role in Uddav allying with UPA to become Maharashtra's chief minister.
One of the most unknown facts related to Uddhav Thackeray and his wife, Rashmi Thackeray, is that the former's cousin, Raj Thackeray's sister, Jaywanti Deshpande, played Cupid in their love story. When Rashmi was working at Life Insurance Corporation, she met Jaywanti, and the two became friends. After Rashmi and Jaywanti became close friends, the latter introduced Rashmi to her cousin-brother, Uddhav. To everyone's surprise, Uddhav and Rashmi clicked instantly. After dating each other for some time, Uddhav and Rashmi got married, and the couple is now leading a happy married life.
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Also Read: Meet Bal Thackeray's Grandson, Aaishvary, Who Left Family's Political Empire To Become An Actor