Images: A glimpse into the life of Balasaheb Thackeray
Bal Thackeray, who founded the Shiv Sena, was one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra politics.
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Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray during an interview with Reuters on December 28, 1997 in Mumbai. Reuters
Bal Thackeray surrounded by supporters after he was granted bail by a Bombay judge February 17, 1997 in a rioting case in which members of the Shiv Sena ransacked the office of a local newspaper. Reuters
Thackeray steps out of his suburban home in Mumbai on July 25, 2000 before he was arrested on charges of inciting violence against Moslems during a 1992-93 bout of religious clashes. Thackeray's arrest fanned fears of large scale rioting in the city by his supporters, known for their violent protests. Reuters
LK Advani, then Home Minister, speaks to Bal Thackeray on January 21, 1999 to resolve their differences over a Pakistani cricket team coming to India. Thackeray's supporters had launched a violent campaign to prevent the cricket matches despite the BJP led coalition government wanting it to go ahead. Reuters
Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bal Thackeray wave to the crowd during an election campaign rally in Bombay April 23, 2004. Reuters
Sachin Tendulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan and Thackeray appear during a concert in Mumbai on March 5, 2001. Reuters
Bal Thackeray waves towards the media as he arrives to cast his vote at a polling centre during the Maharashtra state elections in Mumbai October 13, 2009. Reuters