Mumbai, the financial capital of India has witnessed the rise and fall of many political leaders. One of the most influential figures in Mumbai, Bal Thackeray stands out for his bold personality. He was known as a charismatic leader who dedicated his life to support the rights of the Marathi People and promoting regional pride. Bal Thackeray’s fiery and bold speeches and his never give up attitude earned him massive followers, making him a significant force in Maharashtra's political landscape.

As we remember Bal Thackeray on his birth anniversary, let us go through his early life, how he founded Shiv Sena and his role in Mumbai’s political landscape.

Early Life and Founding Shiv Sena

Bal Thackeray who was born on 23 rd January 1929, in Pune Maharashtra worked as a cartoonist before he entered politics. However, it was his vision for a Mumbai that prioritized the rights and opportunities of Marathi-speaking people that attracted him to join politics.

In 1966, Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena, a political party aimed at focusing on the problems and the interests of Maharashtrians. The party’s name, which translates to “Army of Shivaji,” paid homage to the Maratha warrior king, symbolizing pride and self-reliance. This marked the beginning of Bal Thackeray’s political role in shaping Mumbai’s future. Bal Thackeray’s leadership style was bold and direct. Under his leadership, the Shiv Sena established a strong place in Mumbai.

Role of Bal Thackeray in Mumbai Politics

While Bal Thackeray’s primary focus remained on Mumbai, his influence extended across Maharashtra. He played a pivotal role in shaping Mumbai's political and cultural landscape. His influence spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on the city's politics and identity.

Promoting the Marathi Identity - Thackeray emphasized the importance of regional pride and the preservation of Mumbai's Marathi character. He addressed issues like unemployment, advocating for priority to be given to "sons of the soil" in jobs. He highlighted the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Marathi people, opposing the marginalization of their traditions in Mumbai’s cosmopolitan setup. His political campaigns, like the “Marathi Manoos” movement, focused on ensuring their representation in business, politics, and administration.

Impact on Mumbai’s infrastructure and development - Under Thackeray’s leadership, the Shiv Sena had a strong influence on the municipal corporation (BMC), which governs Mumbai. This control allowed the party to shape urban policies. The Shiv Sena-led municipal corporation prioritized initiatives aimed at improving housing, sanitation, and public transportation.

Bal Thackeray’s Vision for Mumbai

Bal Thackeray envisioned a city where the rights of the locals were safeguarded and the local people got priority in everything, particularly in job opportunities. While having this vision, he also ensured that Mumbai should have proper urban development and modernization.

During his tenure, Shiv Sena was actively involved in issues such as housing, employment and good public infrastructure. Bal Thackeray’s vision was to transform Mumbai into a global city while retaining its Marathi identity. His love for his mother tongue and his people was evident in his work. His focus on development as well as cultural preservation became a hallmark of his leadership style.

Bal Thackeray’s ability to connect with people with his bold speeches and fiery attitude made him a political icon. Bal Thackeray passed away on 12 th November 2012. His funeral witnessed a gathering like never before, with over 2 million people paying respect. This shows the powerful figure that Bal Thackeray was and the proof of his popularity and legacy.