Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has demanded the Bharat Ratna for his uncle and Shiv Sena founder-patriarch the late Balasaheb Thackeray who played a major role in the Hindutva movement, here on Friday.
Balasaheb Thackeray (1926-2012), the father of Shiv Sena (UBT) President and ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, had founded the original Shiv Sena in June 1966, to espouse the cause of the Marathis and propagate Hindutva.
“A prominent cartoonist of this country and a unique leader who kindled the pride of all Hindus across the country deserves this honour,” said Raj Thackeray in a social media post.
He also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, besides sharing an old pix showing him enjoying a close rapport with his uncle.
The MNS chief’s statement came soon after the Centre announced Bharat Ratna for two former PMs — Chaudhary Charan Singh (July 1979-January 1980) and PV Narasimha Rao (1991-1996) — and renowned agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan (1925-2023).
“M.S. Swaminathan passed away just a few months ago. A scientist who achieved so much should have received this honour during his lifetime. Anyway,” said Raj Thackeray.
“Now that the BJP-led government at the Centre has shown political generosity by honouring P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Pranab Mukherjee a few years ago, they must show the same generosity and declare Balasaheb Thackeray Bharat Ratna as well,” he said.
