Bal Thackeray: The Lion of Maharashtra

Early Life and Career

Bal Keshav Thackeray was born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Maharashtra, to Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, a social reformer and writer. The Thackeray family belonged to the Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu community and had a strong literary background.

In his early years, Bal Thackeray showed a keen interest in art and began his career as a cartoonist. He worked for the Free Press Journal in Mumbai, sharing the same workspace with renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman. His satirical cartoons quickly gained popularity for their wit and social commentary.

In 1960, Thackeray launched his own political weekly called 'Marmik', which became a platform for him to voice his opinions on various social and political issues. This marked the beginning of his journey from a cartoonist to a political figure.

Political Career

Rise to Power

Bal Thackeray's political career began in earnest with the formation of the Shiv Sena in 1966. Initially focused on advocating for the rights of Maharashtrians in Mumbai, the party gradually expanded its influence across the state.

Thackeray's fiery speeches and charismatic personality quickly drew large crowds. He positioned himself as a champion of the Marathi manoos (the common Maharashtrian), often using provocative rhetoric to galvanize support.

Political Influence

Though he never held any official political office, Thackeray wielded significant influence over Maharashtra's politics. He was often referred to as the 'remote control' of the Shiv Sena-BJP government that came to power in 1995.

Thackeray's political acumen was evident in his ability to form alliances and break them as per political necessities. His support was crucial for many politicians and parties in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena: The Party

The Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray on June 19, 1966, began as a movement to secure job rights for Maharashtrians in Mumbai. Over time, it evolved into a major political force in Maharashtra.

The party's symbol, a roaring tiger, reflected Thackeray's aggressive political style. The Shiv Sena's growth was rapid, and it soon became a significant player in Mumbai's municipal politics.

Under Thackeray's leadership, the Shiv Sena expanded its agenda to include Hindutva ideology, aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1990s. This alliance helped the Shiv Sena-BJP combine to win the Maharashtra state elections in 1995.

Ideology and Beliefs

Marathi Pride

Thackeray strongly advocated for the rights of Maharashtrians, often taking stances against non-Maharashtrian communities in Mumbai.

Hindutva

Later in his career, Thackeray embraced Hindutva ideology, positioning the Shiv Sena as a pro-Hindu party.

Anti-Immigrant Stance

Thackeray was known for his opposition to the influx of migrants from other parts of India to Mumbai.

Controversies

Bal Thackeray's political career was marked by several controversies:

His role in the 1992-93 Mumbai riots was widely debated and criticized.
Thackeray faced criticism for his remarks against various communities and his strong anti-immigrant stance.

Despite these controversies, Thackeray maintained a large support base in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.

Legacy

Bal Thackeray's impact on Maharashtra's politics and society was profound and long-lasting. He transformed the political landscape of the state and left behind a complex legacy:

The Shiv Sena remains a major political force in Maharashtra.
His style of politics continues to influence regional parties across India.
Thackeray's emphasis on Marathi pride has had a lasting impact on Maharashtra's cultural and political discourse.
His cartoons and writings continue to be studied and discussed.

Thackeray passed away on November 17, 2012, at the age of 86. His death saw an unprecedented outpouring of public emotion, with millions attending his funeral procession in Mumbai.