Mumbai, Jan 23 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) said on Friday that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was a staunch “Marathi Abhimani (Proud Marathi)” who did not harbour hatred towards other linguistic groups, provided they respected Mumbai’s identity. His brand of Hindutva is described as distinct from modern political iterations, and he advocated a “liberal Hindutva” that prioritised national loyalty over religious extremism.

The party in an editorial in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said even a century after his birth, Thackeray’s “lion’s roar” is credited with keeping the Marathi imprint on Mumbai permanent, adding that while modern skyscrapers have replaced the old mills, changing the city’s geography, the Shiv Sena continues the work he started — ensuring that the “Marathi-ness” of the capital is not destroyed.

The editorial reflects on the historical struggle for a unified Maharashtra. While Indian states were reorganised on a linguistic basis, the Marathi-speaking population had to engage in a four-and-a-half-year conflict with Delhi to secure Mumbai as its capital. Thackeray emerged as the fierce protector of this cause, famously warning that the Shiv Sena would fiercely defend the state against any attempts to divide or “nibble away” at its integrity.

“If anyone tries to nibble away at Maharashtra, Shiv Sena will not rest until it takes them by the throat,” was the “Lion’s Roar” of Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. Balasaheb was the roar of Maharashtra, a sound that continues to echo today and keeps Maharashtra safe. Because of this roar, the Marathi identity remains etched upon Mumbai. Even after a hundred years, this roar continues to resonate across the land and sky,” said the editorial.

According to the editorial, Thackeray’s leadership was born during a period when the Marathi community felt leaderless and marginalised in their own land. Through the establishment of the Shiv Sena, he ignited a movement centred on reviving the pride and political existence of the struggle, not as provincialism, but as a fight for jobs, self-respect, and dignity. Further, he also focused on preventing the total displacement of the Marathi workforce from Mumbai’s changing landscape.

Thackeray was significantly influenced by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (Kemal Pasha), the founder of modern Turkey. He often urged Indian Muslims to follow Ataturk’s example by breaking free from the “shackles of fanaticism” and religious slavery, embracing India as their true motherland and refusing to be treated merely as a “vote bank” by political parties.

“The birth centenary year of the late Shiv Sena supremo, Balasaheb Thackeray, has commenced, marking a milestone for a leader whose influence continues to resonate across Maharashtra. Known as ‘Hinduhriday-samrat’, Thackeray would have entered his 100th year today, an occasion being observed with fervour by his followers and Shiv Sainiks across the state,” said the editorial.

–IANS

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