PM Modi Honors Balasaheb Thackeray's Unyielding Beliefs

Synopsis

On January 23, Prime Minister Modi commemorated Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and significant contributions to Indian culture. The Shiv Sena founder's legacy remains influential in contemporary politics, even as the party faces divisions.

Key Takeaways

PM Modi paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary.
Thackeray was known for his uncompromising beliefs.
He founded the Shiv Sena to promote the cause of 'Marathi manoos.'
The party has undergone significant changes since his demise.
Both factions of Shiv Sena will hold rallies in his memory.

New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary, stating that he was unwavering in his core beliefs and consistently worked towards uplifting the dignity of Indian culture.

In a post on X, PM Modi remarked, "I pay my respects to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is profoundly honored and remembered for his dedication to public service and for the progress of Maharashtra. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture."

Balasaheb Thackeray established the Shiv Sena, a party dedicated to the cause of the "Marathi manoos," and later, to Hindu nationalism.

He had a significant following in Maharashtra, and his appeal gradually expanded across the nation.

Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, he passed away at the age of 86 on November 17, 2012, in Mumbai.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while paying tribute, wrote in Marathi on X: "Tributes to Hindu hriday samrat revered Balasaheb Maharashtra.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also honored Thackeray, writing on X in Marathi, "Humble tributes to the esteemed Hindu hriday samrat, Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, on his birth anniversary."

Since Thackeray's passing, significant changes have occurred within the party he founded. The Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Shinde spearheaded a rebellion against the then party leadership. This resulted in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Agahadi (MVA) government, necessitating Uddhav Thackeray to resign from his Chief Minister role.

Shinde subsequently aligned with the BJP to establish a government in Maharashtra, with himself as the CM. Later, the Election Commission recognized the Shinde-led faction as the 'authentic' Shiv Sena.

The Shiv Sena is now divided into two factions; one, supported by a majority of its MLAs, aligns with the BJP, while the other, led by Uddhav Thackeray, collaborates with the Opposition in the state.

On Thursday, both factions of the Shiv Sena, under Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, will conduct separate rallies to commemorate Balasaheb Thackeray. Both groups are vying to claim his legacy.