Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: PM Modi, Uddhav Thackeray other leaders pay tribute to Shiv Sena founder

Bal Thackeray. File Pic/mid-day photo team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and other political leaders paid tributes to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his 97th birth anniversary on Monday.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said he would always cherish his interactions with the Maratha leader, one of the early pioneers of hardline Hindutva politics, who enjoyed a large following.

"Remembering Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. I will always cherish my various interactions with him. He was blessed with rich knowledge and wit. He devoted his life to public welfare," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Also Read: Bal Thackeray birthday: Five things to know about the politician

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde paid tributes to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on Twitter.

On the occasion of his father and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's 97th birth anniversary, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray shared an old picture of him with Balasaheb and Aaditya Thackeray.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also paid tributes to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

Also Read: Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: History and achievements

Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, "Tribute to Shiv Sena Chief, Hindu Heart Emperor, Respected Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary! He had a fearless and transparent personality as a tough and fearless speaker who spoke truthfully to protect the identity of Maharashtra and the self-respect of the Marathi people. The place of this popular personality will remain unshakable in the Marathi mind."

The Shiv Sena recently split into two factions with the one commanding the support of a majority of its lawmakers siding with the BJP, while another headed by Thackeray's son Uddhav Thackeray aligning with the Opposition in the state.