Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966. Two years later, in 1968, he got Shiv Sena registered as a political party. Shiv Sena fielded its own candidates for the first time in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections.
Bal Keshav Thackeray was popularly known as Balasaheb Thackeray. He was the eldest of eight siblings. Country's top politicians and celebrities used to visit Balasaheb at his residence 'Matoshree' in Bandra. The then biggest pop music star, Michael Jackson had also visited Balsaheb Thackeray when he came to Mumbai for an event.
On the occasion of Bal Keshav Thackeray centenary birth aniversary, PM Modi on social media platform posted photo of himself having a conversation with teh Shiv Sena founder. Modi on X also wrote, 'Bal Thackeray left a profound impact on Maharashtra's socio-political landscape, we offer heartfelt tributes to this towering personality' (Pic/X)
January 23, 2026 marks the birth centenary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, a leader remembered for his pivotal role in shaping Marathi identity and the politics of Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena MLA and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray on Bal Thackeray's centenary birth anniversary posted a photo where he his with his grandfather. Aaditya while posting the photo with his late grandfathr Bal Thackeray wrote, "Your blessings will always be my strength" (Pic/X)
Balasaheb Thackeray worked as a cartoonist before entering politics. He used to make cartoons for an English newspaper. It is said that Balasaheb's cartoons used sarcasm on the contemporary issues of the country and the politics of that time.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray while paying tribute to Bal Thackeray on his centenary birth anniversary also posted a photo with Bal Thackeray during his initial days. While posting the photo on X, Raj wrote, "Bala Saheb will remain in people's memories not just in his 100th year but even in his bicentennial birth year" (Pic/X)
It is said that Balasaheb started his weekly magazine 'Marmik' on August 13, 1960, in which he raised many social issues and about non-Marathis. Balasaheb Thackeray focused the magazine's content on the hardships of the Marathi common man. He wrote about unemployment and the influx of migrants into Maharashtra.
Paying tribute to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora posted a picture of his father Murali Deora along with Balasaheb Thackeray on X stating, "Balasaheb and my father had an extremely old and deep relationship. Both of them dedicated their entire lives to the service of the people"
Among the many leaders, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also posted a picture with Balasaheb Thackeray. While hailing the Shiv Sena founder she wrote, "Beyond politics too, he always cherished bonds of friendship. He brought people from the grassroots into politics and made them big."
Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray is credited with awakening the Marathi community, organising them into a strong political force. Saamana, on the occasion of his birth centenary, pointed out that Shiv Sena's struggle is "not about caste or regionalism; it is a fight for livelihood, dignity, and self-respect."
ADVERTISEMENT
