‘He never craved power’: Raj Thackeray remembers Balasaheb Thackeray

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday paid tributes to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his 100th birth anniversary saying that the late leaderrsquos influence on politics and social fabric remains unparalleled even years after his passingIn a heartfelt statement the MNS leader emphasised that while many historical figures are celebrated on their centenaries very few continue to shape the destiny of a region long after they are goneRaj contrasts todayrsquos politics with Balasahebrsquos eraReflecting on the current political climate the MNS chief noted a stark shift from the era of the senior Thackeray He observed that todayrsquos politics is often driven by practicality and electoral tricks rather than ideological conviction ldquoToday loyalty is easily sold and principles are discarded Success is measured by electoral math rather than the intensity of linguistic or regional identity Balasaheb would have rejected these yardsticks He never craved power for himself his satisfaction lay in elevating a common worker to a position of authority he said in his long post on X hellip pictwittercomiDRAjiYWShmdash Raj Thackeray RajThackeray January 23 2026Legacy to endure beyond even the bicentenaryPredicting that Balasahebrsquos legacy would endure even until his bicentenary 200th anniversary the MNS chief highlighted the visionary nature of the late leaders thoughts He stressed that while political power is fleeting the ability to inspire generations is a rare strength one that defined Balasaheb ThackerayFlexible politics only for Marathi interest says Raj ThackerayAddressing the changed realities of modern politics Raj Thackeray addressed the necessity of tactical flexibility He assured his followers that any flexible stand taken in the current political landscape would never be for personal gain but for the larger interest of the Marathi peopleCommitment to Marathi language and Maharashtrarsquos soilldquoEven when Balasaheb had to take a flexible stance in politics at times his love for the Marathi people didnt diminish even by a fraction on the contrary it only grew stronger These are the values instilled in us I give my word once again today even if I have to take a slightly flexible stance at times in this completely transformed politics it will never be for my personal gain or selfishnessrdquo he clarified I am one of the millions who joined him after witnessing his fierce love for the Marathi language and the soil of Maharashtra The faith that I and my Maharashtra Sainiks have in the words Balasaheb and Marathi will never diminish he statedRaj Thackeray vows to carry forward Balasahebrsquos fightldquoBalasaheb was farsighted His vision still feels consistent today and will remain so in the future Thats why he will remain timeless Just as its true that we will never see a talent like Balasahebs again its equally true that no one will ever be able to practice politics like Balasahebs in the future But his image will never take a hit anywhere and the fight he waged for the Marathi language for the Marathi people will continue to burn fiercely this is in the hands of Balasahebs next generations to ensure And we will do it with determination this is our word to the Marathi peoplerdquo said Raj ThackerayMNS salutes lsquoHinduhridaysamratrsquo on centenaryThe tribute concluded with a solemn promise to keep the flame of the struggle for Marathi identity alive The MNS chief urged the next generation to ensure that the fight built by Balasaheb remains untarnished and vibrant The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena joined the state in offering a humble salutation to the memory of the Hinduhridaysamrat reaffirming their commitment to his core values on this historic milestone he said