An article published in honour of Balasaheb Thackeray by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
To this day, I have been fortunate to receive the guidance of many great men. Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray is one of those veterans. Balsaheb Thackeray worked to make a big impact on my mind, personality and public life. When I peek into the past, I see their own roaring tiger in their form. I am sure that Balasaheb Thackeray will bless me from heaven too. Balasaheb was a determined, courageous, aggressive yet very kind hearted person. I have looked closely at these aspects of his personality.
I tried my best to get all these things from them and I find them useful in public life. They loved me like a baby. He was a leader who could go beyond religion, caste, creed and allegiance in case of any incident. That strength was in them. I remember an incident during the Lok Sabha elections. We were a little reluctant to give a seat to a Shiv Sainik in a constituency in Vidarbha because the caste equation in that area was not in his favor. At that time Balasaheb roared and said that I do not give any importance to caste, creed, creed in public life. They warned us very harshly and just as clearly. The candidate was decided and he won the election.
Balasaheb Thackeray was a rebel and a leader who took a different path. The fact that he was a political cartoonist was very conducive to shaping Indian politics. His political journey was not easy at all but full of challenges.
He posed a great challenge to give the Marathi man his place and importance in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He bravely faced every challenge. When he started his career, he also showed the strength and readiness to join hands against the political forces. Sometimes Balasaheb’s words still ring in my ears when I am facing challenges. Any new challenge that comes up reminds me of Balasaheb Thackeray. When I came up with the idea of Mumbai-Pune Expressway, more than 50 flyovers in Mumbai and Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Balasaheb started calling me Rodkari instead of Gadkari. He always complimented me on my work. I was encouraged.
Politics is said to be a game of selfishness .. but when we meet a big minded leader like Balasaheb Thackeray, we realize that such people think beyond the party, beyond everything. I am forever indebted to them for the love and affection they have shown me in public life. He is not with us today, but I think he will always be with me.
I grew up as a team volunteer. That rite happened to me. During that time a. Bh. Vs. W. I have benefited from the guidance of veterans of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, BJP. But apart from that, I consider Atalji and Balasaheb Thackeray as role models. His speech was intense and his language was aggressive. I consider myself lucky to have had such a long association with them.
I remember the incident when Raj Thackeray decided to make a film about his life. It has a collection of old and some new photos. At that time, Balasaheb Thackeray urged Raj Thackeray to call Gadkari near the flyover. I posed for a photo as I approached the flyover as I was called. That memory still lingers in my mind. It will work even if it is said in my mind as if it has been carved. Balasaheb Thackeray will always remain in my memory as a true Jannete. A humble tribute to Balasaheb, a veteran leader and my guide.
Source: India Today