Bal Thackeray (1926–2012)
Bal Thackeray was an Indian politician and the founder of the Shiv Sena, a right-wing Hindu nationalist, Marathi ethnocentric party active mainly in the state of Maharashtra, India. Thackeray was born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Maharashtra, India. He was a cartoonist by profession and worked for various newspapers before venturing into politics.
Thackeray formed the Shiv Sena in 1966 with the aim of promoting Marathi identity and interests in Maharashtra. The party was initially formed to counter the perceived injustices against the Marathi people, particularly in Mumbai, where it believed the non-Marathi population was taking away jobs and opportunities from the local Marathi population. The Shiv Sena, under Thackeray’s leadership, rapidly gained popularity and influence, especially among the working-class Marathi population.
Thackeray’s politics was characterized by his fiery speeches, in which he often made controversial and inflammatory statements. He was known for his anti-Muslim stance and was accused of inciting violence against the minority community on several occasions. He also took strong positions against South Indian migrants and the North Indian population in Mumbai.
Despite his controversial image, Thackeray had a large following, particularly in Mumbai and Maharashtra, where the Shiv Sena became a dominant political force. The party, under Thackeray’s leadership, formed the government in Maharashtra in 1995 in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thackeray played a key role in forming the alliance and was seen as a kingmaker in state politics.
Thackeray’s influence in Mumbai was particularly strong, and he was often referred to as the “Tiger of Mumbai”. He wielded significant power and was known to interfere in various matters, including appointments in the police and government departments, and even the functioning of the media.
Thackeray passed away on November 17, 2012, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that is both revered and reviled. While many saw him as a champion of Marathi pride and identity, others criticized him for his divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, and his role in inciting communal violence.
In conclusion, Bal Thackeray was a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the political landscape of India. While his political ideology and methods were highly controversial, there is no denying that he was a charismatic leader who commanded a large following and had a significant impact on the politics of Maharashtra and India.
