‘Shiv Sena Is an Idea, Not Just a Party’: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Send Strong Message at Balasaheb Centenary Event

Mumbai: The launch of the birth centenary year of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray turned into a powerful political statement as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray addressed party workers in Mumbai. The event, held at Shanmukhananda Auditorium, highlighted themes of resilience, ideology, and concern over the current direction of state politics.

Uddhav Thackeray asserted that the Shiv Sena cannot be reduced to a symbol or a name, describing it instead as a living ideology shaped by struggle and sacrifice. He dismissed claims that the party could be erased, stating that such assumptions misunderstood the emotional and ideological bond between the Sena and its supporters.

Addressing party workers, Uddhav said he had received messages from various parts of the country praising the way the Sena stood its ground during recent political challenges. He credited grassroots workers for protecting the party’s identity and said their role was clearly visible during the recent civic elections in Mumbai.

He also raised concerns over election practices, claiming that voters were influenced through financial inducements during the municipal polls. According to him, such tactics were unprecedented in Mumbai’s civic elections and posed a threat to democratic values.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, speaking on the same stage, offered a reflective and critical view of present-day politics. He said Balasaheb Thackeray would have been deeply hurt to see Hindutva being used as a political product rather than a movement rooted in self-respect and cultural pride.

Raj recalled how Balasaheb transformed Hindu society by instilling confidence and political awareness, turning it into a decisive force. He expressed worry over what he described as the weakening of political ethics in Maharashtra, comparing the present situation to a marketplace where power and loyalty are traded.

Commenting on political developments across the state, Raj said the atmosphere was deeply troubling, whether in specific civic bodies or Maharashtra as a whole. He suggested that Balasaheb’s absence spared him the pain of witnessing the current state of affairs.

Raj also reflected on Balasaheb’s creative genius, recalling how he continued to express himself through cartoons even during periods of intense unrest. He said Balasaheb’s humour and artistic clarity remained sharp regardless of political pressure.

Touching on his personal journey, Raj spoke about his decision to leave the Shiv Sena two decades ago, describing it not merely as a political split but as an emotional separation similar to leaving one’s own home.