Bal Thackeray's birth anniversary: Tributes pour in amid battle for his legacy

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, along with his son Aaditya Thackeray, led a tribute ceremony on Thursday to honor Bal Thackeray, the late founder of the undivided Shiv Sena, on his birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also paid their respects. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "I pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and towards Maharashtra’s development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture." Both factions are trying to assert their claim over the Shiv Sena supremo’s legacy ahead of the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra, including for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which the party ruled for nearly three decades.