Thane erupted in joy and celebrations after Eknath Shinde was declared the Maharashtra chief minister on Thursday. His supporters and Shiv Sena workers said the 58-year-old with humble beginnings has been an accessible politician and has always helped people. He deserves the top post, said Shinde’s admirers.

mid-day visited Anand Math at Tembhi Naka, the seat of Shinde’s mentor and late Sena strongman Anand Dighe. Many old-time Shiv Sainiks sat calmly, politely declining to comment on the twists and turns in the state’s political landscape.