Raut criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their online tributes to Thackeray, alleging hypocrisy. He accused them of attempting to undermine the Shiv Sena while publicly honoring its founder. Raut remarked, "PM Modi and Amit Shah tried to break the party and now they are tweeting to wish him on his birthday. If people like Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on Twitter (X), then it is the biggest hypocrisy. Shiv Sena is the life of Balasaheb Thackeray, and they attacked it." ([Economic Times](https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/balasaheb-thackeray-should-be-conferred-with-the-bharat-ratna-award-shiv-sena-ubts-sanjay-raut/articleshow/117480947.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The demand for the Bharat Ratna is not new; the Shiv Sena has previously advocated for this honor for both Thackeray and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key figure in the Hindu nationalist movement. Raut reiterated this stance, emphasizing Thackeray's pivotal role in sowing the seeds of Hindutva in the country. He questioned why Thackeray had not yet been recognized with the Bharat Ratna, stating, "But the man who truly sowed the seeds of Hindutva in the country must also be given the Bharat Ratna. Why has he not been given Bharat Ratna? 'Hindu-hriday Samrat' Bal Thackeray must be honoured with the award. This is Shiv Sena (UBT)’s demand." ([Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindu-hriday-samrat-shiv-sena-ubt-demands-bharat-ratna-for-balasaheb-thackeray/articleshow/117486165.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Bal Thackeray, who passed away in 2012, founded the Shiv Sena in 1966. Initially focusing on advocating for the rights of the Marathi-speaking population in Maharashtra, the party later embraced a broader Hindu nationalist agenda. Thackeray was a charismatic and controversial figure, known for his fiery oratory and strong stance on issues concerning Marathi identity and Hindu nationalism.
The Shiv Sena has experienced significant internal strife in recent years, leading to a split. The faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, Bal Thackeray's son, is now known as Shiv Sena (UBT), while another faction is led by Eknath Shinde. This division has led to political realignments and disputes over the party's legacy and direction.
The Bharat Ratna, established in 1954, is India's highest civilian award, given for exceptional service in various fields including the arts, literature, science, and public service. The award has been a subject of political debate, with various parties advocating for their leaders and ideologues to be recognized.
The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s renewed demand for honoring Bal Thackeray with the Bharat Ratna highlights ongoing tensions within Maharashtra's political landscape and the enduring influence of Thackeray's legacy on contemporary politics.
As the nation approaches Republic Day, it remains to be seen how the central government will respond to these calls and whether Bal Thackeray will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to assert its position, emphasizing the late leader's contributions to both Maharashtra and the broader Indian polity.
The party's leadership has indicated that they are prepared to contest upcoming local body elections independently, signaling a potential shift in alliances and strategies within the state's political arena. ([Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ubt-could-fight-local-body-polls-alone-hints-uddhav/articleshow/117497532.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
This development underscores the evolving dynamics of Maharashtra's politics, as parties navigate internal divisions and external challenges in their quest for influence and governance.
The legacy of Bal Thackeray remains a potent force in the state's political discourse, with his followers steadfast in their efforts to secure national recognition for their late leader's contributions.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s demand for the Bharat Ratna serves as a focal point for broader discussions about leadership, legacy, and the criteria for national honors in India.
The coming days may provide further clarity on the central government's stance regarding this demand and its implications for the political equilibrium in Maharashtra.
Observers will be keenly watching for any announcements or decisions that could influence the state's political trajectory and the enduring legacy of Bal Thackeray.
The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s advocacy for the Bharat Ratna reflects its commitment to honoring its founder's memory and reinforcing his place in India's national narrative.
As the debate continues, the party's leaders remain vocal in their pursuit of recognition for Bal Thackeray's contributions to the nation.
The outcome of this demand may have lasting implications for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its role in both Maharashtra and national politics.
The political community awaits the central government's response to this renewed call for honoring one of Maharashtra's most influential figures.
The discourse surrounding the Bharat Ratna and Bal Thackeray's legacy underscores the complex interplay of politics, recognition, and historical memory in India.
As the situation develops, stakeholders across the political spectrum will be assessing the potential impacts on their strategies and positions.
The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s persistent demand highlights the enduring significance of Bal Thackeray in the state's political consciousness.
The coming period will be crucial in determining how this chapter unfolds in Maharashtra's political narrative.
The state's citizens and political observers alike are poised for further developments in this ongoing story.