Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Five lesser known facts about the Shiv Sena founder

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Bal Thackeray, born on January 23, 1926, was a prominent political figure in Indian politics. He played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Maharashtra, particularly through his leadership of the Shiv Sena party. Thackeray's legacy is marked by his charismatic leadership and strong nationalist stance.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Early Life

Bal Thackeray was born in Pune, Maharashtra, into a middle-class Maharashtrian family. His father, Keshav Thackeray, was a writer, social activist, and leader of the Samyukta Maharashtra Chalwal movement, which fought for a separate state for the Marathi-speaking populace in the 1950s.

His early years were influenced by the socio-political atmosphere of pre-independence India, and he grew up with a deep-seated love for his state and its culture. Thackeray started his career as a cartoonist, working for various newspapers, where he developed his skills as a satirist and commentator on social and political issues.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Formation of Shiv Sena

In 1966, Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena, a political organisation with the primary objective of advocating for the rights and welfare of the Marathi-speaking population in Maharashtra. Initially, the party focused on regional issues, emphasizing the importance of Marathi identity and culture. However, over the years, Shiv Sena expanded its influence and became a major political force in the state.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Political Influence

Under his guidance, Shiv Sena gained popularity by championing the cause of the "sons of the soil" and addressing issues such as unemployment and economic disparities. The party's rise was marked by a blend of regional pride, populist policies, and a strong stance against migration, particularly from other states.

Bal Thackeray birth anniversary: Influence on Maharashtra Politics

Bal Thackeray's influence in Maharashtra politics was undeniable. Shiv Sena, under his leadership, formed alliances with various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 1995, Shiv Sena-BJP coalition came to power in Maharashtra, with Thackeray's close associate, Manohar Joshi, becoming the Chief Minister. This marked a significant moment in the political history of the state.

On Bal Thackeray's birth anniversary, here's a look at some lesser known facts about the Shiv Sena founder.

• Bal Thackeray was also known Hindu Hriday Samraat
• Thackeray began his career as a cartoonist in the Free Press Journal in Mumbai. His cartoons were also published in the Sunday edition of The Times of India
• He also worked with the renowned artist R K Laxman
• It is said that Bal Thackeray started his weekly magazine 'Marmik' on August 13, 1960, in which he raised many social issues and about non-Marathis. Balasaheb Thackeray focused the magazine's content on the hardships of the Marathi common man. He wrote about unemployment and the influx of migrants into Maharashtra.
• He formed the political party 'Shiv Sena' on June 19, 1966 with an intent to fight for the rights of the people living in Maharashtra