Among those in attendance was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who considers the late leader his mentor. Pics/Eknath Shinde's office
On the occasion, more than 2,500 workers of parties such as the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, NCP and Samajwadi Party joined the Shinde-led outfit
Shinde highlighted the influence of Dighe's teachings and Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray's ideology in his political journey
Among those who took part were state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, state school education minister Dada Bhuse and water conservation minister Sanjay Rathod
Those who joined the party during the event are from Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Shahapur, Solapur, Sangli and Nashik, Shiv Sena spokesperson Pandurang Patil said
Dighe, a hugely popular leader in the Thane region, was born on January 27, 1951 and died from a heart attack following an accident in August 2001
ADVERTISEMENT
