Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray led tributes on Thursday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the undivided Shiv Sena. The event was held at the statue of Bal Thackeray in Fort, Mumbai, and witnessed a massive turnout of party workers and supporters.
Floral Tributes to the ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat’
Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray garlanded the statue of Bal Thackeray, paying homage to the man widely revered as Hindu Hriday Samrat. Known for his fiery advocacy of Hindutva and Marathi pride, Bal Thackeray left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s political and cultural landscape.
“जमलेल्या माझ्या तमाम हिंदू बांधवांनो, भगिनींनो आणि मातांनो” अशी गर्जना करून मराठी माणसाला स्वाभिमानाने जगायला शिकवणारे वंदनीय हिंदुहृदयसम्राट शिवसेनाप्रमुख बाळासाहेब ठाकरे ह्यांना जयंतीदिनानिमित्त विनम्र अभिवादन! pic.twitter.com/fTA1zv4sBf
— ShivSena – शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) January 23, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also joined the tributes virtually. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi shared, “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 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 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
Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, tweeting in Hindi: “Devoted throughout his life to Sanatan culture and nationalism, respected Balasaheb Thackeray ji always gave priority to patriotism in his work. The ideological firmness of Balasaheb, who never gave up on his principles even in adverse circumstances, will always inspire.”
Shiv Sena’s Legacy Sparks Political Rivalry
The occasion was not without political undertones, as the two rival Shiv Sena factions, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, organized separate rallies to assert their claim over Bal Thackeray’s legacy.
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
The rivalry between the two factions has intensified in the lead-up to Maharashtra’s upcoming civic elections, particularly for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC, long dominated by Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray’s leadership, remains a significant prize in Maharashtra’s political arena.
Bal Thackeray’s Enduring Legacy
Born on January 23, 1926, Bal Thackeray transitioned from a cartoonist to a firebrand leader when he founded the Shiv Sena in 1966. The party initially focused on championing the rights of Marathi-speaking people before adopting a broader Hindutva ideology. Under his leadership, the Shiv Sena grew into one of Maharashtra’s most dominant political forces.
Known for his fiery speeches, unwavering stance on ideological issues, and larger-than-life persona, Bal Thackeray earned a devoted following. While his career was marked by controversy, his influence remains deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s political and cultural fabric.
