Raj Thackeray Education, Family, Net Worth, Biography

Raj Thackeray, born Swararaj Shrikant Thackeray on June 14, 1968, is a key figure in the political scenario of Maharashtra. He is the founder and president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a party that advocates for the rights and cultural identity of the Marathi community.

Family Background

The member belongs to the famous family Thackeray in the state of Maharashtra and the son of a famous Indian music composer, Shrikant Thackeray and the daughter of another, Kunda Thackeray, with whom he shares many fond memories. Bal Thackeray is an illustrious figure in the sphere of Marathi politics who had founded the party that champions the rights of people who speak the language known as Shiv Sena.

Being an influential political family, their upbringing naturally exposes one to the issues of politics and cultural problems of Maharashtra. He then championed these through his own political career.

Education and Early Career

Raj Thackeray graduated from the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai. His training in art actually became an excellent method of creative development. First, he used his talents as a cartoonist and began working for the weekly magazine 'Marmik,' started by his uncle Bal Thackeray. There, he wrote satirically through cartoons about his political and social commentaries. This experience actually made him realize how to comment on issues he cared about politically, which later would find a good place in Maharashtra's politics.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Raj Thackeray has married Sharmila Thackeray and has children, Amit and Urvashi. Now, the son, Amit Thackeray, also shows much interest in politics, thus following his father's tracks and gradually coming into light. Raj Thackeray is also known as a big dog lover and especially great Danes. His three pets: James, Bond, and Sean, were loved, and they seemed to have been family members to him.

Founding of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

In 2006, Raj Thackeray did the most critical decision, that was, leave the Shiv Sena founded by his uncle Bal Thackeray. This decision did not go about a single issue; the separation went deep down inside regarding differences with family members too. At that point in time, Uddhav Thackeray was handling the affairs of Shiv Sena, Raj's cousin brother. He later formed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) with a focus on Marathi manoos rights along with the preservation of culture.

Under the leadership of Raj, MNS has given much focus to regional issues, largely in Mumbai, making much hue and cry over migrants from other states into Maharashtra. This has sparked quite a few debates and controversies, especially in the nature of inter-state relations and employment opportunities in Maharashtra.

Controversies During Raj Thackeray's Career

Several controversies have characterized Raj Thackeray's political career. One of the main controversies was over his strong stand on migration, targeting the entry of North Indians into Maharashtra. This has been one of the causes of tension and criticism against him. Raj has also been accused of favoring local residents over others for jobs in Maharashtra, a stance some deem divisive.

Splitting with Shiv Sena is the other main controversy associated with his career. Founding MNS is not merely a political alteration, and what is really significant, the Thackeray family represented different ideals related to politics and also enhanced complexity to the scene of Maharashtra politics.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Raj Thackeray's net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 50 crore, which he has garnered through his political career and other business ventures. He is known for his fondness for luxury cars and can often be spotted in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300. His lifestyle is a combination of luxury and strong roots of Marathi culture.

Conclusion

Definitely, Raj Thackeray has left his indelible mark on the political scenario of Maharashtra. From the times when, at five, he drew cartoons to be one of the most crucial politicians of this state today, the career graph of Raj Thackeray can easily be ascribed through the legacy of family, controversy, and being a hardcore protagonist of the cause for Marathi-speaking people. Being one of the founders of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, he is still one of the determining factors of how the fate of regional politics in Maharashtra will shape out, a very oft-deputed cause to stand by the radical political thoughts of this particular leader.