PM Modi Pays Tribute To Balasaheb Thackeray On His Birth Centenary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth centenary. PM Modi shared a picture of him with Thackeray calling him a “towering figure” who profoundly shaped Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.

PM’s post on X reads: “On the birth centenary of the great Balasaheb Thackeray, we pay tribute to a towering figure who profoundly shaped Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape. Known for his sharp intellect, powerful oratory and uncompromising convictions, Balasaheb commanded a unique connect with the people. In addition to politics, Balasaheb was deeply passionate about culture, literature and journalism. His career as a cartoonist reflected his keen observation of society and his fearless commentary on various issues. We are greatly inspired by his vision for Maharashtra’s progress and will always work to fulfil it.”

On the birth centenary of the great Balasaheb Thackeray, we pay tribute to a towering figure who profoundly shaped Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape. Known for his sharp intellect, powerful oratory and uncompromising convictions, Balasaheb commanded a unique connect with… pic.twitter.com/Gneeh5E9AP — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2026

Balasaheb Thackeray was born on January 23, 1926, in Pune. He was an Indian journalist, cartoonist and politician. He founded the Shiv Sena in June 1966 to work for the welfare of the “Marathi manoos”. The party later became a dominant regional force in Maharashtra’s politics. Thackeray passed away on November 17, 2012, in Mumbai.