Uttarakhand, Nov 17 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his death anniversary, highlighting his lifelong dedication to India’s Sanatan culture, national unity, and cultural pride.
“On his death anniversary, we pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray, a staunch nationalist leader who dedicated his life to Sanatan culture, national interest, and Indian identity. Balasaheb ji always prioritised national unity, cultural pride, and social strength,” CM Dhami wrote on X.
Bal Thackeray, a hardline Hindutva advocate, also founded the Marathi language newspaper Saamana and remained a prominent political influencer despite not holding any formal office. He passed away on November 17, 2012, at the age of 86 due to cardiac arrest.
On the same occasion, CM Dhami also remembered Maha Vir Chakra awardee Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who displayed extraordinary valour during the 1962 India-China War.
“On this day of martyrdom of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, the pride of Uttarakhand, we offer humble tribute. His courage, dedication, and patriotism in defending the motherland will remain a source of inspiration for centuries,” he wrote.
Rifleman Rawat, hailing from Pauri Garhwal, fought bravely in the historic NEFA battle. Despite being fatally hit while capturing a Medium Machine Gun from enemy forces, he continued defending his position, ultimately sacrificing his life for the nation.