Bal Keshav Thackeray, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a renowned cartoonist, left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s political landscape. His life was a complex tapestry of political maneuvering, social commentary, and considerable controversy.
Biography/Wiki
Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Bombay Presidency, British India, Balasaheb Thackeray hailed from the Marathi Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu community. His academic career was short-lived, but his passion for writing and activism shone early. He actively participated in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, advocating for a unified Maharashtra state for Marathi-speaking regions.
Family
Thackeray’s family life was integral to his story. His parents were Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, an author and social activist, and Ramabai. He had eight siblings. He married Mina Thackeray on June 13, 1948. The couple had three sons: Bindumadhav, Jaidev, and Uddhav Thackeray. Sadly, Mina passed away in 1995, followed by Bindumadhav’s death in a car accident the next year. His nephew, Raj Thackeray, also became a significant political figure, though he eventually formed his own party.
His family tree includes several prominent figures: His grandsons, Aditya, Tejas, Aishwarya, and Rahul Thackeray, continue to influence public life. Aditya Thackeray is now chairman of Yuva Sena, Shiv Sena’s youth wing.
| Relationship | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Keshav Sitaram Thackeray | Author and social activist |
| Mother | Ramabai Thackeray | |
| Wife | Mina Thackeray | Deceased |
| Sons | Uddhav, Jaidev, Bindumadhav (deceased) | Uddhav succeeded his father as Shiv Sena chief |
| Nephew | Raj Thackeray | Founder of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena |
Career
Thackeray began his career as a cartoonist in Mumbai in the 1950s, contributing to publications like the Free Press Journal and the Times of India. In 1960, he launched the cartoon weekly, Marmik, with his brother. His work also appeared internationally.
The success of Marmik fueled his move into politics. He founded Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966, presenting it initially as a movement for Marathi people, not a political party. The party quickly gained prominence, becoming a major force in Maharashtra’s politics and even providing the state with several chief ministers. In 1989, he launched Saamna, the party’s newspaper.
Controversies
Bal Thackeray’s career was marked by numerous controversies.
- Early campaigns against South Indians working in Mumbai.
- Arrest during the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute.
- Disruption of Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali’s concert.
- Support for Indira Gandhi’s Emergency.
- Allegations of inciting violence during the 1984 Bhiwandi riots and the 1993 Bombay blasts (as detailed in the Srikrishna Commission Report).
- Opposition to the film “Bombay”.
- Controversial comments about Biharis.
- Criticism for praising Adolf Hitler and making derogatory remarks about Muslims.
- Accusations of unfair asset accumulation.
Favourite Things
Thackeray’s preferences offer a glimpse into his personal side:
- Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
- Statesman: Adolf Hitler
- Politician: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Singers: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
- Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Nana Patekar
- Sport: Cricket
- Cricketers: Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar
- Cartoonist: David Low
Assets/Net Worth
At the time of his death, his assets were estimated to be over ?100 crore, including his famous bungalow, Matoshree.
Death
Bal Thackeray passed away on November 17, 2012, in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest. He was given a state funeral, a rare honor.
Facts
Here are some lesser-known facts about Bal Thackeray:
- He enjoyed beer, wine, and cigars.
- His nickname was “Hindu Hriday Samrat.”
- He briefly worked with George Fernandes on a short-lived newspaper, News Day.
- He wrote for Marathi publications under the pen name “Mavla.”
- Shiv Sena’s first electoral victory was in the Thane Municipal Council elections in 1967.
- He initially supported the Indian National Congress before becoming a strong opposition figure.
- He was a staunch admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- His opposition to the Mandal Commission led to the departure of key figures like Chhagan Bhujbal.
- Michael Jackson once visited him and autographed a toilet in his house.
- He was banned from voting and contesting elections for six years due to corrupt practices.
- He handed over Shiv Sena’s leadership to his son, Uddhav Thackeray.
- He criticized Sachin Tendulkar for prioritizing his Indian identity over his Maharashtrian identity.
- His life inspired the Bollywood film series “Sarkar” and a biopic “Thackeray.”
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