Balasaheb Thackeray was the most influential and charismatic leader in India. He was born on 23th January 1926. He was the founder of Shiv sena party. His followers and family celebrate this day to tribute his legacy.
He started his career as a cartoonist with the Free Press Journal. Later he left Free Press and started his own political weekly – Marmik in 1960. Through this he used to campaign against the increasing influence of non-Marathas in Mumbai.
He then launched Shiv Sena party on 19th June 1966. He came up with Hindu Nationalist stance and concerned about the marathi population in Maharashtra. The objective of the party was to provide employment to marathi population.
The marathi language newspaper ‘Saamana’ was also found by the Bal Thackeray.
Bal Thackeray always used to stand for Hindus and always talk about Hindutva. In 1922, Balasaheb claimed that the Thackerays had been proponents of Hindutva ever since his father Keshav Thackeray started a movement.
Balasaheb claimed that he was just taking forward his father’s push for Hindutva but Balasaheb coloured his father’s Hindutva agenda a saffron after the death in 1973.
The turning point for Hindutva politics was the Ville Parle by-poll. The Shiv Sena decided to contest the seat after the death of the sitting Vile Parle MLA, Hans Bhugra.
It was the time when Shiv Sena became an independent candidate and was recognized by everyone in country.
At that time, Balasaheb said in speech “We are fighting this election for the protection of Hinduism. Therefore, we do not care for the votes of the Muslims. This country belongs to Hindus and will remain so”.
He also said that Hindutva is in danger and Shiv Sena would be its savior.
‘You will find Hindu temples underneath if all the mosques are dug out. Anybody who stands against the Hindus should be shown or worshipped with shoes,’ Balasaheb said.
‘We have come with the ideology of Hinduism. Shiv Sena will implement this ideology. Though this country belongs to Hindus.
There is a movie on Balasaheb Thackeray in which Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Amrita Rao are in main lead roles. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is playing the role of Balasaheb and Amrita is playing the role of his wife.
Here is the trailer of the movie, you can watch full movie on Netflix.
PM Modi’s tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray
Remembering Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. I will always cherish my various interactions with him. He was blessed with rich knowledge and wit. He devoted his life to public welfare.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2023
Ajit Pawar former deputy CM said, “Tribute to Shiv Sena Chief, Hindu Heart Emperor, Respected Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary! He had a fearless and transparent personality as a tough and fearless speaker who spoke truthfully to protect the identity of Maharashtra and the self-respect of Marathi people. The place of this popular personality will remain unshakable in the Marathi mind.”
“Tributes to illustrious leader, great orator and founder of Shiv Sena Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. Balasaheb was a man of principle who inspired millions of people & his contributions to Indian politics shall always be remembered.” said Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajeev Shukla.
Thackeray passed away on November 17 2012, at the age of 86.
