Lives on due to his unyielding dedication to his ideals: PM Modi on Bal Thackeray birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his birth anniversary, saying he was a towering figure whose impact on Maharashtra's political and cultural landscape remains unparalleled.

Bal Thackeray, one of the early pioneers of hardline Hindutva politics, enjoyed a large following. He was born on this day in 1926 and passed away on November 17, 2012.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: In the hearts of countless people, he lives on due to his leadership, says PM Modi

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Remembering Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He was a towering figure whose impact on Maharashtra's political and cultural landscape remains unparalleled."

"In the hearts of countless people, he lives on due to his leadership, unyielding dedication to his ideals and commitment to speaking up for the poor and downtrodden," the prime minister said.

The Shiv Sena has now split into two factions with the one commanding the support of a majority of its lawmakers siding with the BJP, while another headed by Thackeray's son Uddhav Thackeray aligning with the Opposition in the state.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Early life

Bal Thackeray, born on January 23, 1926, was a prominent political figure in Indian politics. He played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Maharashtra, particularly through his leadership of the Shiv Sena party. Thackeray's legacy is marked by his charismatic leadership and strong nationalist stance.

Bal Thackeray was born in Pune, Maharashtra, into a middle-class Maharashtrian family. His father, Keshav Thackeray, was a writer, social activist, and leader of the Samyukta Maharashtra Chalwal movement, which fought for a separate state for the Marathi-speaking populace in the 1950s.

His early years were influenced by the socio-political atmosphere of pre-independence India, and he grew up with a deep-seated love for his state and its culture. Thackeray started his career as a cartoonist, working for various newspapers, where he developed his skills as a satirist and commentator on social and political issues.

In 1966, Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena, a political organisation with the primary objective of advocating for the rights and welfare of the Marathi-speaking population in Maharashtra. Initially, the party focused on regional issues, emphasizing the importance of Marathi identity and culture. However, over the years, Shiv Sena expanded its influence and became a major political force in the state.