Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid rich tributes to the quintessential Maharashtra politics figure, Balasaheb Thackeray, on his birth centenary.
PM Modi credited the late politician for profoundly shaping Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape, and added that he is greatly inspired by Balasaheb’s vision for the state.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “On the birth centenary of the great Balasaheb Thackeray, we pay tribute to a towering figure who profoundly shaped Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.”
“Known for his sharp intellect, powerful oratory and uncompromising convictions, Balasaheb commanded a unique connect with the people. In addition to politics, Balasaheb was deeply passionate about culture, literature and journalism. His career as a cartoonist reflected his keen observation of society and his fearless commentary on various issues,” the PM further added, and said that “we are greatly inspired by his vision for Maharashtra's progress and will always work to fulfil it.”
Besides being known for his sharp intellect, powerful oratory and uncompromising convictions, PM Modi said Balasaheb commanded a unique connect with the people.
Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Balasaheb was a towering political and cultural figure in Maharashtra. He began his professional journey as a cartoonist with the English-language daily The Free Press Journal in Bombay, before leaving in 1960 to launch his own political weekly, Marmik.
Balasaheb was the founder of the political front, Shiv Sena, which was established on June 19, 1966, initially to advocate for the rights of the “Marathi manoos” and later emerged as a prominent proponent of Hindutva.
He passed away on November 17, 2012, in Mumbai.
Beyond politics, PM Modi recalled Balasaheb’s passion for culture, literature and journalism. He recalled that Balasaheb’s career as a cartoonist reflected his keen observation of society and his fearless commentary on a wide range of issues.
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