Bal Thackeray: The Uncrowned King Who Shook Delhi's Throne Without Elections

• Bal Thackeray, born January 23rd, never contested elections but was Maharashtra's uncrowned political king.
• He started as a cartoonist, founded Shiv Sena in 1966, advocating for 'Marathi Manoos' and later Hindutva.
• Thackeray operated from 'Matoshree', holding the 'remote control' of Maharashtra's government in the 1990s.
• Known for aggressive Hindutva, he declared Shiv Sainiks demolished Babri Masjid, earning the title 'Hindu Hrudaysamrat'.
• Despite a 6-year voting ban and controversies, his immense influence and popularity remained undiminished until his passing in 2012.

Why It Matters: Bal Thackeray wielded immense political power in Maharashtra without holding office, shaping state politics profoundly.