Balasaheb Thackeray’s Legacy at His Birth Centenary
While Shiv Sena’s presence faces political challenges in Maharashtra, the state is currently celebrating the birth centenary of its founder and veteran politician Hinduhrudaysamrat Bal Thackeray (often fondly referred to as Balasaheb). Even though Balasaheb never contested any elections or held any official political post, he lived in the hearts of every Maharashtrian. He never sought power for himself, but his role and words were considered ultimate in the politics and king-making of Maharashtra.
A Strong Leader and Versatile Artist
This extraordinary politician had the power to shut down Maharashtra with a single gesture or a single word. (Earlier, only George Fernandes had exerted such an impact on the working class in Mumbai in the 60s and 70s). He wasn’t just a politician; Bal Keshav Thackeray was an accomplished cartoonist, a brilliant orator, a fearless journalist and a skilled commander. Although controversial, he remains an indelible and influential figure in the history of Maharashtra.
Bal Thackeray was never a “polite” politician or a speaker who measured his words. His speeches were always filled with fiery, burning words and thunderous roars. He inherited this legacy from his father Pradhodankar Thackeray (Keshav Sitaram Thackeray), a staunch Hindutva advocate and radical writer. Bal Thackeray adopted his father’s direct and bold oratory style, leading to the popularization of the term “Thakari Bana” (Thakkeray Style), a feature often seen today in the speeches of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray.
Birth of Shiv Sena
After the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement of 1966, in which various parties united to ensure that Mumbai remained a part of Maharashtra, the influence of the movement began to wane. Many felt that an organization was needed to keep the Marathi people together in Mumbai. Taking a decisive step to voice the injustices against the “Marathi Manus”, Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966.
The Legacy of Bal Thackeray and the Founding of Shiv Sena
In fact, Bal Thackeray worked as a cartoonist for the Free Press Journal in 1950 before founding the Shiv Sena. He met famous cartoonist RK Laxman there. Laxman’s style significantly influenced Thackeray’s own caricatures. Later in 1960, Bal Thackeray and his brother Shrikant Thackeray published a bi-weekly magazine called ‘Marmik’. Through Marmik, he harshly criticized the ruling parties and touched on state issues. He started a column titled ‘Vacha Ani Thand Basa’ (Read and Stay Silent) to highlight the injustice towards the Marathi people. His goal through Marmik was to awaken the Marathi community against injustice. When we realized that the magazine alone was not enough, the idea of an official organization took shape. This vision was supported by his father and led to the birth of Shiv Sena. The name ‘Shiv Sena’ was suggested by Balasaheb’s father, the great social reformer Prabodhankar Keshav Thackeray.
Dasara Melava Tradition
It was Bal Thackeray who started the annual Dasara Melava tradition at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai. The highlight of this meeting was his speech, which always attracted thousands of people just to hear him speak. Due to his strong personality and sharp rhetoric, the equation of “Shiv Sena equals Bal Thackeray” was firmly etched in the public mind.
At a time when leaders claim to serve the people but later reject them by saying, “Voting for me does not make you my master,” the Shiv Sena chief who directly told the people six decades ago, “I am yours, servant of Maharashtra,” is fondly remembered. The moment was a significant event that marked the Shiv Sena’s strong political presence in Mumbai and the beginning of a new political tradition in Maharashtra.
A few months after the launch of the party, Bal Thackeray started the tradition of Shiv Sena Dussehra Melava (Public meeting). Although it is a sign of political power, its popularity has ensured that this tradition continues even 50 years later. There is no other example in the state where a political demonstration has had such consistent public support for decades. No other party in Maharashtra has been lucky enough to hold a public meeting on a major festival day every year and still receive such an overwhelming public response. Since this rally is held every year in Mumbai, the people of the city embraced it wholeheartedly.
Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena not only as a political organisation. He then stated that Shiv Sena will defend the rightful rights of Marathi people. The party’s slogan at that time was “80% Social Service and 20% Politics”. Bal Thackeray was known to be outspoken and a man of his word. He has fulfilled his promises and that is one of the reasons why Maharashtra loves him so much. His word was law for Shiv Sainiks.
He entered politics for public welfare and implemented many social projects. He set up Zunka-Bhakar centres, a chain of old age homes, concession schemes for senior citizens, housing for slum dwellers in Mumbai, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and several flyovers in Mumbai to provide affordable food to the poor. He emphasized politics beyond caste. His social work played a major role in the popularity of his image and the Shiv Sena. His vision for analyzing politics and society was unique and often reflected the keen insight of a cartoonist. Balasaheb’s importance was not only in state politics but also at the national level. He gave a new face, identity and confidence to the faceless youth of the Bahujan community and produced leaders like the current deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde.
Political parties and leaders will come and go, but Bal Thackeray’s popularity and influence cannot be erased from the history of Maharashtra. He remained the Shiv Sena Pramukh (chief) till the end. He breathed his last at the age of 86, but his impact remains as strong today. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, the people of Maharashtra pay tribute to him.
