Late political leader Balasaheb Thackeray (Bal Keshav Thackeray) was a highly influential Indian political leader and the founder of the Shiv Sena party. Through his powerful speeches, sharp writings, and strong stance on Marathi identity and Hindutva, he commanded immense loyalty while also attracting criticism for his controversial views. He was born on 23 January 1926, Pune and today 100th Birth Anniversary. On this day Raj Thackeray Paid Heartfelt Tribute to remembering him with long post.
While remembering uncle on his 100th birth anniversary Raj Thackeray wrote, "Today is the 100th birth anniversary of the late Balasaheb. Many people's birth centenary years have been celebrated and will be celebrated in history, but it is rare for a person to remain in people's memories even when they are not alive, and for that person to continue to shape the politics and social affairs of a region even today. This can probably only happen in the case of Balasaheb. And that is why I am sure that Balasaheb will remain in people's memory not only in 100 years but even in his bicentennial birth year. Only then, the Marathi person who remembers Balasaheb should not be divided, disheartened, oppressed, and silently tolerating injustice."
Talking about the current political situation, Raj wrote, " Today, loyalties are easily sold off. Principles are casually discarded, and politics has become entirely opportunistic. In today's politics, success is measured not by which issues were brought to the forefront, or how fiercely regional and linguistic identities were kept alive, but by how much success was achieved in electoral politics and what tricks were employed to get there. In Balasaheb's time, there were no such compromises with expectations like these, and even if there were, he would have thrown them out. He himself had no craving for power, but he found satisfaction in seating an ordinary worker on a seat of power."
"Power comes and goes. Today's power-holders tomorrow are reduced to mere nameplates, but only a few people can leave an impact that shakes generations. This impact was Balasaheb's strength, and this is his legacy. Balasaheb was farsighted. His vision still feels consistent today and will remain so in the future. That's why he will remain timeless. Just as it's true that we will never see a talent like Balasaheb's again, it's equally true that no one will ever be able to practice politics like Balasaheb's 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 Balasaheb's next generations to ensure. And we will do it with determination; this is our word to the Marathi people. Even when Balasaheb had to take a flexible stance in politics at times, his love for the Marathi people didn't 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 selfishness. Seeing Balasaheb's blazing love for the Marathi language, the Marathi region, and the Marathi people, thousands and lakhs of people joined him and went along with him—I am one of them. Therefore, my faith and love, and that of my Maharashtra Sainiks, for the two words 'Balasaheb' and 'Marathi' will never diminish even by a fraction. The humble salutations from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to the memory of Late Balasaheb!"
Raj Thackeray resigned from Shiv Sena in November 2005 due to leadership differences, and a year later, on 9 November 2006, he officially formed the MNS, marking the formal split between the two parties. Years after forming separate party, Raj Thackeray and now Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray came together and fought BMC elections.