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Mumbai, Nov 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday launched a scathing attack on political groups claiming to be pioneers of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, saying they neither understand the late leader nor his fundamental rationalism.
The MNS chief made the comments in a post on
He said in his post on
Raj Thackeray said, “Today is the death anniversary of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena, Hindu Hriday Samrat and my uncle. Balasaheb, who lit the flame of a major movement in the history of the country on the strength of linguistic identity and gave birth to a political party from it. And in an era when caste identity was intensifying, and before the communalism of BJP flared up, it was Balasaheb who awakened identity as a Hindu.”
He emphasized that for Balasaheb Hinduism was not just a vote bank but a matter of identity and faith and he never abandoned the rationalism inherited from his background.
He further said, “Balasaheb was an extraordinary lover of Hinduism, but that did not eliminate the critical spirit within him. That is why I am happy to see those who steal Balasaheb’s image and parade him as the heir of Hindutva, or who seek votes in his name.”
He said that as politics has increasingly become limited to winning votes, acquiring power and then abusing it, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena pays humble tribute on this day of memory of Balasaheb, who taught them to give priority to social work before politics.
Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, who is undergoing treatment, said in his tribute, “Salute to Balasaheb Thackeray, the only leader of Shiv Sena, because of whom I became. There is no such person like a lion.”
NCP-SP president Sharad Pawar said the history of Maharashtra is incomplete without the mention of Bal Thackeray, who has made incomparable contributions to the socio-political sphere of the state.
He said, “Balasaheb showered words on his opponents with his sharp Thackeray arrows and open-handed generosity. His satirical cartoons wounded many. Yet, throughout his life, he selflessly maintained friendships beyond politics without any bitterness. Humble tribute on his memorial day.”
–IANS
SJ/SKP