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New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) On the occasion of Balasaheb Thackeray’s death anniversary, leaders across party lines paid tribute to Maharashtra’s most influential man, while people also noted the Hindu Hriday Samrat’s contribution and legacy in shaping the politics as well as discussion of the state.
Thackeray was known for his charismatic leadership and strong nationalist stance. Balasaheb was an Indian journalist, political strategist and founder of Shiv Sena, a party built on the ideological foundation of emphasizing Marathi identity and advocating pro-Hindu policies in India. Under his leadership, Shiv Sena became a major political force in Maharashtra, influencing the political landscape of the state for decades.
Thackeray began his professional journey as a cartoonist for the Free Press Journal in Mumbai (then Bombay) in the early 1950s. His cartoons also appeared in the Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun and the Sunday edition of The New York Times.
During the 1960s, he became increasingly involved in regional politics. He developed a strong local following through Marmik, a weekly Marathi language magazine he published with his brother. The magazine often expressed sharp criticism against the growing influence of “outsiders”, primarily immigrants from southern India and Gujarat, who were believed to be taking away employment opportunities from the local Marathi population.
In 1966, Thackeray founded Shiv Sena as a movement advocating “Maharashtra for Maharashtrians” with the aim of protecting local interests and jobs. Although he never held any official government post or contested elections, he was widely considered one of the most powerful figures in Maharashtra. He was often called the “Godfather of Maharashtra”, while his devout followers referred to him as the Hindu Hriday Samrat.
Under Thackeray’s leadership, the party supported ending India’s constitutional secularism and adopting Hinduism as the country’s official religion. His influence was evident when the Shiv Sena came to power in the 1990s and the city of Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai, after the goddess Mumbadevi – the name traditionally used in Marathi.
Thackeray’s annual addresses at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park attracted huge crowds and were one of the most anticipated events for his supporters. He died on 17 November 2012 due to cardiac arrest.
Thackeray often remarked that Shiv Sena was not just a political party but “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s army”.
On his death anniversary, many political leaders including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule paid tribute to him.
Eknath Shinde wrote, “Sir, your thoughts and memories are always in our hearts. Heartfelt tribute to respected #HinduHridayaSamrat #ShivSenaChief #Balasaheb_Thackeray on his death anniversary.”
Supriya Sule posted, “Today is the death anniversary of Maharashtra’s beloved leader, Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. My humble tribute to his memory on this occasion.”
–IANS
JK/Mr.