Mumbai.
Many leaders paid tribute to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his 12th death anniversary. It included former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and many leaders of various political parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi Thackeray visited their father’s mausoleum at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and paid floral tributes.
Several members of both the rival factions of Shiv Sena also visited the memorial to honor Bal Thackeray. The Shiv Sena founder died on November 17, 2012 at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Mumbai after prolonged illness. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray paid tribute on Sunday. Pawar said, ‘Tributes to late Balasaheb Thackeray, founder of Shiv Sena party, satirist and politician, who fought against injustice to the Marathi people.’ Gaikwad said that Balasaheb Thackeray ruled the Marathi people and fought for the justice and rights of the Marathi people throughout his life. Senior BJP leader Fadnavis said in his message, ‘Humble tribute to Hindu heart emperor Balasaheb Thackeray on his memorial day.’ Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Shinde rebelled against the party leadership. After this the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by Uddhav Thackeray fell. Then Shinde joined hands with BJP to form the government. The Election Commission later recognized the Shinde-led faction as the ‘real’ Shiv Sena.
