Introduction:
Anand Dighe was a formidable leader of the Shiv Sena Party, known for his influence in Thane. As the unit chief of Thane, he played a pivotal role in local politics until his untimely demise on August 26, 2001, at the age of 50 due to cardiac arrest. Dighe’s tenure was marked by his involvement in several controversies, including his alleged role in the murder of Sridhar Khopkar, suspected of voting for Congress in 1989, a case that continued until his death.
Early Life:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dharamveer Anand Chintamani Dighe |
| Popular Name | Dharamveer, 2nd Baal Saheb of Thane |
| Birth Date | January 27, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Tembhi Naka, Thane, Bombay (now Mumbai), India |
| Career Start Age | 18 years |
| Educational Qualification | Up to 11th Standard |
| First Job | Auto-rickshaw driver |
Education & Career:
Anand Dighe, popularly known as Dharmaveer, hailed from Tembhi Naka, Thane. Despite his modest education up to the 11th standard, he plunged into politics at a young age of 18. Initially, he worked as an auto-rickshaw driver to support his family. His journey in politics began in the 1970s when he joined the Shiv Sena. Recognizing his dedication, Bal Saheb Thackeray appointed him as the party president in the Thane district.
Achievements & Awards:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Significant Contribution | Mentor to Eknath Shinde, the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra |
| Social Initiatives | Started Anand Ashram to aid the underprivileged |
| Collaborations | Worked with social activist Anna Hazare |
Personal Life:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Birth Family | Son of Chintamani Dighe |
| Marriage Status | Married |
| Siblings | Sister: Aruna Dighe |
| Successor | Eknath Shinde |
Legacy:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Marathi Biographical Film | ‘Dharamveer’, directed by Praveen Tarde |
| Hospital Named After Him | Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Heartcare Center & Urocare Center in Maharashtra |
| Net Worth | $1 to 5 Million per year |
Conclusion:
Anand Dighe’s presence loomed large in Thane, earning him the moniker of the 2nd Saheb of Thana. Despite his controversies, he remains a significant figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape, remembered for his contributions to society and his unwavering dedication to the Shiv Sena Party.
Unknown Facts:
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Solitary Meditation | Known for practicing meditation in solitude |
| Mysterious Death | Died in a road accident, with rumors suggesting foul play and conspiracy theories emerging |
| Car Collection | Owned a Mahindra Armada car |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Successor of Anand Dighe? | Eknath Shinde. |
| Did Anand Contest Elections? | No, he followed Bal Thackerey’s principles closely. |
| What was Dighe’s famous name? | Dharamveer, 2nd Baal Sahed of Thane. |
| What was Dighe famous for? | Meditation in solitude. |
| Who did Anand Dighe follow? | Lord Shiva. |
| How did Anand die? | Anand Dighe passed away on August 26, 2001, due to a heart attack at Sunitadevi Singhania Hospital in Thane. His death sparked controversy, with some suspecting foul play and conspiracy theories emerging. |