PM Modi Pays Tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on His Death Anniversary

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to veteran leer of Maratha politics, Balasaheb Thackeray on his death anniversary.

Calling him a visionary leer, PM Modi said that he was "cause" of Maharashtra's development and empowerment of Marathi people.

"I pay homage to great Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his Punya Tithi. He was a visionary who championed cause of Maharashtra's development and empowerment of Marathi people. He was a firm believer in enhancing pride of Indian culture and ethos. His bold voice and unwavering spirit continue to inspire generations," Prime Minister posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to an "eminent politician" Balasaheb Thackeray.

Praising Balasaheb Thackeray's dedication to his values, Shah said that whenever country talks about dedication to ideology and commitment to principles, he is definitely remembered.

In a social media post on X, Amit Shah wrote, "I remember and pay my tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray, an eminent politician who dedicated his entire life to Sanatan culture and national interest, on his death anniversary. Whenever country talks about dedication to ideology and commitment to principles, Balasaheb Thackeray is definitely remembered. Balasaheb's commitment towards Sanatan culture and religion, who never compromised on ideology and political values even in verse circumstances, is inspiring."

"On occasion of his death anniversary, we remember and pay homage to great leer Balasaheb Thackeray ji, who dedicated his entire life to Sanatan culture and national interest. Whenever issue of ideological dedication and principled commitment comes up in country, Balasaheb Thackeray ji is definitely remembered. Balasaheb Thackeray's commitment to Sanatan culture and religion, even in verse circumstances, not to compromise with ideology and political values is inspiring," tweet ded.

Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also remembered Balasaheb Thackeray on his death anniversary and posted on X, "Remembering Balasaheb Thackeray ji on his 12th death anniversary. My thoughts are with Uddhav Thackeray ji, itya and entire Shiv Sena family."

Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Balasaheb Thackeray h begun his professional career as a cartoonist with English-language daily ' Free Press Journal'.

He later quit his professional job and founded Shiv Sena in 1966 to vocate for interests of people of Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai's political and professional landscape.

Thackeray was also founder of Marathi-language newspaper 'Saamana'. Despite his significant influence in politics, he did not hold any official positions during his political career.