Parties mourn: ‘Fearless in thought, stuck to his ideology’

Cutting across party lines, leaders in Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad mourned the death of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, describing him a "straight-forward leader who made a very big impact in the social and political sector of the state".

Rajya Sabha MP and city NCP chief Vandana Chavan said the Sena supremo was known for taking daring decisions based on the ideologies he followed. "He founded Shiv Sena and took it to a high level."

MP Suresh Kalmadi said Thackeray's death had brought an end to an era. "He was fearless and value-based in his political career. Apart from being a cartoonist, editor and orator, the Sena chief was an efficient leader," he said. Kalmadi said Thackeray had his impact in state politics for a very long period and his contribution would be remembered forever.

NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade said there could not be any other leader like Thackeray. "A straight forward leader who openly criticised his friends and colleagues. Thackeray would always be remembered as a dashing leader who never thought of repercussions and always stuck to his ideologies," he said. "There cannot be any politician irrespective of the political parties that would not recognise the contribution of Sena supremo to the state," he added.

City BJP leader Vikas Mathkari said: "Balasaheb gave Hindutva thoughts the aggressiveness it needed. After the Mumbai riots, he stood like a shield between the rioters and the public. He showed how politics based on casteless agenda can be successful. He was fearless in expressing his thoughts..." Recalling a memorable moment, Mathkari said: "Ten years back, I had gone to Matoshree with Dr Balaji Tambe. Balasaheb himself served us lunch... Balasaheb was the real disciple of Chhatrapati Shivaji."

City Congress chief Abhay Chhajed said Thackeray had his impact on state politics for four decades. "The death of Sena chief is a big loss to state politics," he added.

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