On the anniversary of the birth of the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, political leaders and public figures nationwide shared their tributes on the social media platform X (previously Twitter). Born on January 23, 1926, Balasaheb Thackeray was a compelling leader who significantly influenced Maharashtra's political scene.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Balasaheb Thackeray in his recent X post that read: "I pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and towards Maharashtra’s development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute, commending Thackeray's ideological firmness, who never compromised with his principles even in adverse circumstances, will always inspire. Shah's X post read: "सनातन संस्कृति और राष्ट्रप्रथम की विचारधारा के प्रति आजीवन समर्पित आदरणीय बालासाहेब ठाकरे जी ने देशहित को हमेशा सर्वोपरि रखा। विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी अपने सिद्धांतों से कभी समझौता न करने वाले बालासाहेब जी की वैचारिक दृढ़ता सदैव प्रेरणा देती रहेगी। प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी बालासाहेब ठाकरे जी की जयंती पर उन्हें कोटिशः नमन। सनातन संस्कृती आणि राष्ट्रीयत्व या विचारधारेला आजन्म समर्पित, आदरणीय बाळासाहेब ठाकरे जी यांनी आपल्या कार्यातून राष्ट्रप्रेमाला नेहमी प्राधान्य दिले. प्रतिकूल परिस्थितीतही आपल्या तत्वाशी कधीही तडजोड न करणाऱ्या बाळासाहेबांची वैचारिक कटिबद्धता सदैव प्रेरणा देत राहील. प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी बाळासाहेब ठाकरे जी यांच्या जयंतीनिमित्त त्यांना कोटी कोटी प्रणाम!"
which translates to: "Respected Balasaheb Thackeray ji, who was dedicated to the ideology of Sanatan Culture and Nation First, always kept the interest of the country paramount. Balasaheb ji's ideological firmness, who never compromised with his principles even in adverse circumstances, will always inspire.
Millions of bows to him on the birth anniversary of the ardent nationalist Balasaheb Thackeray ji.
Respected Balasaheb Thackeray ji, who was dedicated to the ideology of Sanatan Culture and Nationality throughout his life, always gave priority to patriotism through his work. Balasaheb's ideological commitment, who never compromised with his principles even in adverse circumstances, will always inspire.
Millions of bows to him on the birth anniversary of the ardent nationalist Balasaheb Thackeray ji!"
Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, referred paid his homage to the late leader addressing him as 'हिंदुहृदयसम्राट' (Hindhrudaysamrat) a title given to Balasaheb Thackeray which means 'king or ruler of the Hindu hearts'.
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other state leaders like Aaditya Thackeray and Eknath Shinde expressed touching messages that emphasized Thackeray's legacy.
As honors streamed in, numerous individuals recalled Balasaheb Thackeray's impact as a leader, cartoonist, and a strong advocate for the regional identity of the Marathi people and Hindutva visions, securing his status as a respected figure in Maharashtra's history.
