Anand Dighe Age, Death, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Anand Dighe

• Anand Dighe, a prominent Indian politician hailing from Maharashtra, held a prominent position as a leader within the Shiv Sena party. Notably, he played a crucial role as the political guide and mentor to Eknath Shinde, who later became the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Unfortunately, Anand Dighe met an untimely demise in August 2001 due to a tragic road accident.

• Dhighe embarked on a journey into active politics at the tender age of 18.

• Anand Dighe was renowned for his habit of quenching his thirst with water from a pitcher made of steel. Dighe enjoys sipping on refreshing water served from a pitcher crafted out of stainless steel.

• Anand Dighe joined the Shiv Sena in the 1970s and quickly rose to become a prominent leader of the party, dedicated to promoting its Hindutva and Marathi identity. Recognizing his abilities, Bal Saheb Thackeray appointed him as the Party president in Thane district. Dighe gained popularity for his daily Durbar sessions at his residence in Tembhi Naka, where he attentively listened to the concerns of the public. This earned him the esteemed nickname Dharmaveer. [6] Anand Dighe at a Shiv Sena office in The New Indian Express.

• Anand Dighe collaborated with several notable leaders from different political parties, including Lal Krishna Advani from the BJP. Accompanying Lal Krishna Advani was Anand Dighe.

• After his name, Anand Dighe established a sanctuary known as Anand Ashram, dedicated to assisting impoverished and destitute individuals. Anand Dighe currently resides within his ashram.

• Dighe enjoys playing the carrom board game and frequently indulges in it with his friends during his free time.

• Anand Dighe worked closely with Indian social activist Anna Hazare, alongside Anna Hazare.

• Anand Dighe’s immense popularity led to him being frequently referred to as the ‘Thane’s Second Bal Saheb.’

• Anand Dhighe was a devout devotee of Lord Shiva, frequently seen visiting different Shiva temples to offer his heartfelt prayers. Dighe expressed his reverence for Lord Shiva by paying his respects at various Shiva temples through prayer.

• Similar to Bal Thackeray, Dighe refrained from participating in any electoral campaigns.

• Anand Dighe was renowned for his dedication to meditation, frequently seeking solitude to engage in his practice. As he immersed himself in a meditation session, Anand Dighe became profoundly absorbed in his spiritual journey.

• He was arrested in 1989 under TADA on charges of murdering Shiv Sena party member Sridhar Khopkar. It was reported that Khopkar had supposedly voted for Congress in 1989. Dighe was later granted bail and released. [7] The Times of India.

• Anand Dighe passed away on 26 August 2001 at the Sunitadevi Singhania Hospital in Thane. He had been receiving treatment there following a road accident near Vandana ST Bus Depot, which occurred while he was returning from a Ganpati festival. After his demise, his followers set fire to the hospital, accusing the authorities of negligence in his treatment. Some individuals questioned whether his death was actually a result of foul play, leading to numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the incident. [8] Frontline showcases Anand Dighe receiving medical attention at a hospital in Thane.

• After Anand Dighe passed away, Eknath Shinde assumed the role of his successor in Thane.

• The Heartcare Center & Urocare Center in Kalwa city, Maharashtra, has been dedicated to the memory of Anand Dighe, and is now known as the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Hospital.

• Navbharat Times reported that a Marathi film called “Dharamveer” was released on 13 May 2022, revolving around the life of Anand Dighe. [9]