Bal Thackeray likens Sachin to Shivaji Maharaj

Mumbai, Mar 5: After heaping criticism on Sachin for the 'Mumbai for all' remark, Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has now come out with words of praise for the master blaster.

Bal Thackeray has lauded the cricket maestro's double century in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamna', stating that Sachin was already a 'Bharat Ratna' for India.

"Hundred crore people of this country have already crowned Sachin as Bharat Ratna," Sena chief Bal Thackeray said.

"Shivaji Maharaj used to vanquish Moghuls on battlefield. Similarly, Sachin is a warrior on cricket battlefield. Such warriors are born only in Maharashtra," Thackeray said.

"Shivaji wielded the sword. Similarly, Sachin wields the bat," the editorial said.

"Sachin does not need anyone's recommendation to be awarded Bharat Ratna. He is already one," it said.

This change of heart by the Sena comes a surprise, as the Sena had earlier questioned Sachin's loyalty to Maharastra following his Mumbai remark.

OneIndia News