Raj Thackeray’s Emotional Tribute Turns Into Sharp Political Indictment at Balasaheb Thackeray Birth Centenary Event

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : On the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary year, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray delivered a deeply emotional yet scathing address, expressing anguish over the present political situation in Maharashtra. In a blunt critique of defections and shifting loyalties, Raj Thackeray remarked that he felt a grim sense of relief that Balasaheb Thackeray was not alive to witness what he described as the “degradation” of the political landscape he had once shaped.

Addressing the gathering, Raj Thackeray likened the current political churn in the state to a “market of slaves,” drawing a stark parallel with historical human auctions. “People say Balasaheb should have been here today. But looking at this market of slaves in Maharashtra, I feel it is better that he isn’t here,” he said. “Two hundred years ago, people were auctioned in village squares. Today, such auctions are happening again — in Kalyan, Dombivli, and Thane.” His remarks were met with a mix of silence and applause, reflecting the intensity of the moment.

Raj Thackeray shared the stage with his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, marking a rare moment of visible unity. He revealed that recent conversations with Uddhav Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut about the state’s political developments had left him with a deep sense of “shisari,” a Marathi term conveying extreme disgust or nausea. According to Raj, the fragmentation of leadership nurtured by Balasaheb would have caused the Sena founder immense pain.

Reflecting on Balasaheb Thackeray’s towering personality, Raj admitted that defining him in a single role was nearly impossible. “His birth centenary year begins today. I wrote an article in Saamana sharing many memories, but I still wonder — how should I see him? As my uncle, as a cartoonist, or as the Hinduhridaysamrat and Shiv Sena chief?” he said. He added that if he and Uddhav began recounting stories about Balasaheb, they could speak for hours without pause.

The MNS chief also revisited his own political journey, particularly his departure from the undivided Shiv Sena nearly two decades ago. He described that phase as deeply personal rather than merely political. “When I left the party, it wasn’t just about leaving a political organisation; it felt like leaving my own home,” Raj said. He noted that with the passage of time, both he and Uddhav had gained a deeper understanding of events and choices that shaped their paths.

As he concluded, Raj Thackeray briefly choked with emotion while paying tribute to Balasaheb. He reiterated that the current political scenario — where leaders mentored and created by the Sena founder now stand divided across multiple factions in pursuit of power — would have been unbearable for him to witness. Raj’s speech, equal parts homage and indictment, underscored the enduring legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray while raising uncomfortable questions about the state of Maharashtra’s politics today.