In a significant development, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has reiterated the demand for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to be conferred upon the late Bal Keshav Thackeray, popularly known as Balasaheb Thackeray. Speaking on the occasion of Thackeray’s 99th birth anniversary on January 23, Raut passionately called for national recognition of the Shiv Sena founder’s immense contributions.
Hindu Stalwart Bal Thackeray
Bal Thackeray, often referred to as the “Hindu Hriday Samrat” (Emperor of Hindu Hearts), remains a towering figure in Indian politics and society. “Several people who never deserved Bharat Ratna have received it,” remarked Sanjay Raut. “But the man who truly sowed the seeds of Hindutva in this country deserves the Bharat Ratna. This is the Shiv Sena’s demand.”
The demand is not new, having been raised earlier by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and even echoed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on February 9, 2024. Bal Thackeray, who passed away on November 17, 2012, has remained a symbol of Hindutva ideology and the political aspirations of the Marathi-speaking populace.
With Thackeray’s centenary approaching in 2026, Raut emphasized the urgency of honoring his legacy. “Before his centenary begins, it is imperative that he is given the Bharat Ratna,” Raut stated. He also linked this recognition to the government’s failure to award the Bharat Ratna to Veer Savarkar, another influential figure in Hindutva politics. “If they confer it upon Balasaheb, it will also honor the legacy of Savarkar,” he added.
Divisions Within Shiv Sena: A Battle for Legacy
The Shiv Sena is currently experiencing an intense internal struggle, with two factions—Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena—vying for the right to represent Bal Thackeray’s political and ideological legacy. Comparing Shinde’s faction to Chinese firecrackers, Raut remarked, “The real Shiv Sena is in Matoshri. There are counterfeit medicines and clothes in the market. There are Chinese crackers. They don’t burst but there are only sparks.”
The ideological and political tussle was starkly visible during the separate rallies held on Thackeray’s birth anniversary. The Uddhav Thackeray faction organized its rally in Andheri, while the Shinde-led faction held a massive event at the Bandra-Kurla Complex.
On this momentous occasion, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined the commemoration, paying respects to the late leader. In a tweet on his X handle, PM Modi stated, “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.”
However, the Shiv Sena factions were quick to critique these statements. Sanjay Raut remarked, “If the government really wishes to pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray, they should announce the Bharat Ratna for him on January 26, Republic Day. The Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister have tweeted tributes to Balasaheb. If they genuinely mean it, they should act immediately.”
The political discourse around Bal Thackeray’s legacy is also tied to the forthcoming local civic body elections in Maharashtra, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The BMC, a financial powerhouse, has been under the control of the undivided Shiv Sena for nearly three decades. Shaina NC, a leader from the Shinde-led faction, expressed the faction’s determination to retain control of the BMC. Speaking at the Bandra-Kurla rally, she said, “We are committed to ensuring that the saffron flag continues to soar over the BMC this year.”
She also launched a scathing attack on Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of abandoning Balasaheb’s principles. “They owe an apology to the people of Maharashtra for betraying Balasaheb’s ideology. Unlike them, Shiv Sena does not engage in vote bank politics or treat Muslim brothers merely as voters.”
Balasaheb’s Ideals in Modern Politics
The factions’ divergent interpretations of Balasaheb’s legacy highlight the enduring relevance of his ideals. Bal Thackeray’s unapologetic stance on Hindutva, his fight against illegal immigration, and his vision for Maharashtra’s development continue to shape the state’s political narrative. “Shiv Sena remains resolute in its fight against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, which is a cause Balasaheb had championed,” Shaina NC emphasized.
As Maharashtra prepares for pivotal civic elections and Thackeray’s centenary, the demand for Bharat Ratna for Balasaheb Thackeray is a clarion call to recognize his unparalleled contributions to Indian politics and culture. Whether this honor will be conferred remains uncertain, but his legacy as a charismatic leader and Hindutva stalwart continues to inspire millions.