Mumbai, Nov 17 (NationPress) The chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj Thackeray, on Monday issued a pointed critique of political groups that claim to uphold the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena. He asserted that these factions lack a true understanding of the late leader and his foundational philosophical principles.

Raj Thackeray made these comments in a post on X after honoring the Shiv Sena founder and his uncle during a memorial at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where his cousin and leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, Uddhav Thackeray, was also in attendance.

“They do not comprehend Balasaheb, nor do they grasp the essence of rationalism (likely due to their lack of listening and reading), hence they possess no real insight into the depth of Balasaheb's cultivated thoughts,” he stated in his post on X.

“Today we commemorate the death anniversary of Shiv Sena founder, Hindu Hrudaysamrat, and my uncle, the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Balasaheb initiated a significant movement based on linguistic identity in India's history and established a political party from that foundation. At a time when caste identity was becoming pronounced, and before the BJP's communalism could rise, it was Balasaheb who revived the concept of identity as a Hindu,” Raj Thackeray remarked.

He highlighted that for Balasaheb, Hinduism represented identity and faith, rather than merely a means to secure votes, and he never forsook the rationalism that was part of his heritage.

He further commented, “Balasaheb was a profound admirer of Hinduism, but that did not diminish his critical spirit. It amuses me to witness those who flaunt Balasaheb's image as heirs to Hindutva, or those who solicit votes in his name.”

He stressed that as politics increasingly centers around securing votes, achieving power, and then misusing it, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena humbly pays tribute on this day of remembrance for Balasaheb, who taught them to prioritize social service over politics.

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, currently undergoing medical treatment, expressed his homage, stating, “Salute to the one and only Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray, who shaped my identity. A man of his stature does not exist.”

NCP-SP president Sarhad Pawar remarked that Bal Thackeray's vast contributions to the socio-political landscape of Maharashtra render the state's history incomplete without acknowledging him.

“Balasaheb unleashed a torrent of words on his adversaries with his sharp Thackeray arrows and boundless generosity. His satirical cartoons struck many. Yet, throughout his life, he maintained friendships beyond politics without harboring bitterness. A humble tribute on his Remembrance Day,” he added.