Balasaheb Thackeray - Our Beloved Leader

Only Saheb of Maharashtra - Balasaheb

The most loved and famous politician of Maharashtra and founder of Shiv Sena, Shri Balalasaheb Thackeray was born on 23rd January 1926 in Pune in middle class family. His father Keshav Sitaram Thackeray alias Prabodhankar Thackeray was a well known social reformer. He used to publish a fortnightly called Prabodhan (Enlightenment) in order to attack social evils including caste system. He was also actively involved in Samyukata Maharashtra Chalwal, a movement launched for creating a state of Maharashtra.

Thackeray clan is known for their creative and artistic skills. Balasaheb is impeccable example of it. Entire world knows that he is a firebrand orator, prolific writer and gifted cartoonist.

Balasaheb used to draw cartoons in Free Press Journal and The Times of India, the leading English dailies published from Bombay, now Mumbai. In 1960 he started his own weekly titled - Marmik. Very soon it became the popular Cartoon Weekly. Balasaheb used to convey strong message through cartoons and hard punch lines published in Marmik. This magazine also championed the cause of Marathi speaking people and their rights.

19th June 1966 is one of the most important days in the life of Maharashtra, as on this day Shiv Sena was born. From then, till this date its political graph is improving continuously. Shiv Sena formed an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980's.

In 1995 Shiv Sena-BJP alliance came to power in Maharashtra and Shri Manohar Joshi from Shiv sena became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It was the first non-Congress government in Maharashtra. In this victory, doubtless to say Balasaheb's charisma was the main factor. During its five years rule this government completed many mega public utility projects. The most important and enduring work completed by Shiv Sena-BJP government was the construction of Mumbai-Pune Express Highway. Balasaheb was instrumental in getting done this project. At present this Express Highway has been proved as blessing, reducing the load on old highway and railways. Everyday thousands of people commute between Mumbai and Pune thanks to this Express Highway and vision of Balasaheb.

In 1989, Balasaheb started a Marathi daily, Saamana. It is a mouthpiece of Shiv Sena. Major decisions of the party are announced through this paper. Every Shiv Sainik reads it. Saamana is particularly famous for its sarcastical and strong worded editorials.

At present octogenarian Balasaheb has cut down his public appearances. Nevertheless, he is actively involved in the political affairs and work of Shiv Sena. He always keeps on guiding party workers and leaders. Matoshree, residence of Thackeray clan is always thronged by party workers and Balasaheb meets them regularly.

Right now three generations of Thackeray family, the tiger - Balasaheb himself, his cub Uddhav Saheb and the youngest member, Aditya Saheb are guiding and looking after the party affairs.

With the blessings of Balasaheb, Aditya Saheb has made a successful entry in the politics of Maharastra.

We pray to the God for long and healthy life of Balasaheb as Maharashtra requires his guidance for shaping its destiny.