On January 23, leaders and citizens across the nation paid homage to Bal Keshav Thackeray, widely revered as Balasaheb Thackeray, on his birth anniversary. Known for his unwavering commitment to the cause of Maharashtra, Hindu nationalism, and cultural pride, Balasaheb remains a towering figure in Indian politics, even years after his passing.
Born on January 23, 1926, Balasaheb Thackeray was not only a charismatic political leader but also a talented cartoonist and a staunch advocate for Marathi identity. Thackeray began his professional career with The Free Press Journal in Bombay as a cartoonist before establishing his own political weekly, Marmik, in 1960. Through this platform, he vociferously campaigned against the growing influence of non-Marathis in Mumbai, emphasis ing the rights and welfare of the Marathi-speaking population.
Balasaheb drew significant inspiration from his father, Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, a prominent leader in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which fought for the creation of Maharashtra as a separate linguistic state for Marathi speakers. His father’s ideals deeply influenced his own political philosophy and guided him throughout his career.
In 1966, Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena, a right-wing, pro-Marathi, and Hindu nationalist political party, which rapidly gained prominence in Maharashtra. Alongside key figures such as Madhav Mehere, Babasaheb Purandare, and Madhav Deshpande, Thackeray transformed Shiv Sena into a powerful political force, significantly shaping Mumbai’s political and economic landscape for decades. The party’s influence was further bolstered by Thackeray’s fiery oratory and unwavering dedication to his principles.
Thackeray was also the founder of the Marathi-language newspaper Saamana, which became a voice for his party and ideology. In the aftermath of the 1992–93 riots, he adopted a strong Hindutva stance, solidifying his image as a defender of Hindu rights.
Despite never holding an official position or being formally elected as the leader of his party, Thackeray wielded immense influence over Maharashtra’s political affairs. His political journey was marked by controversies, including a six-year ban from voting and contesting elections in 1999 for seeking votes in the name of religion. He faced multiple arrests but remained steadfast in his beliefs, earning him both admirers and critics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray. In a post on X, he highlighted Thackeray’s dedication to public welfare and his role in enhancing the pride of Indian culture. “I pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and Maharashtra’s development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture,” the Prime Minister wrote.
I pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and towards Maharashtra’s development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also honoured Thackeray, describing him as a strong nationalist and a guardian of Sanatan culture. Shah praised Balasaheb’s unwavering ideological firmness, stating, “The revered Balasaheb Thackeray, who was lifelong dedicated to the ideals of Sanatan culture and nationalism, always placed the nation’s welfare above all else. Even in adverse circumstances, Balasaheb never compromised on his principles, and his ideological firmness will continue to inspire us forever.”
सनातन संस्कृति और राष्ट्रप्रथम की विचारधारा के प्रति आजीवन समर्पित आदरणीय बालासाहेब ठाकरे जी ने देशहित को हमेशा सर्वोपरि रखा। विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी अपने सिद्धांतों से कभी समझौता न करने वाले बालासाहेब जी की वैचारिक दृढ़ता सदैव प्रेरणा देती रहेगी।
प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी बालासाहेब… pic.twitter.com/e1sipdmlrT
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 23, 2025
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, in his tribute, referred to Balasaheb as the “Hindu heart emperor.” “Humble tributes to the venerable Hindu heart emperor, Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, on his birth anniversary, in his sacred memory,” Shinde posted on X.
वंदनीय हिंदुहृदयसम्राट शिवसेनाप्रमुख बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांना जयंतीदिनी त्यांच्या पवित्र स्मृतीस विनम्र अभिवादन.#Hinduhrudaysamrat #BalasahebThackeray pic.twitter.com/ap79g0RJMf
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) January 23, 2025
Balasaheb Thackeray’s contributions to Maharashtra and his advocacy for the Marathi people and Hindu rights continue to resonate deeply with millions. His fiery speeches, strong leadership, and ability to galvanis e people left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Upon his death on November 17, 2012, he was honoured with a state funeral, a testament to his profound influence.
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