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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

The Unequal Cousins

Raj Thackeray’s ‘sacrifice’ saved Shiv Sena (UBT) but sank the MNS Mumbai: In the volatile theatre of Maharashtra politics, the long-awaited reunion of the Thackeray cousins on the campaign trail was supposed to be the masterstroke that reclaimed Mumbai. The results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, however, tell a story of tragic asymmetry. While the alliance has successfully helped the Shiv Sena (UBT) stem the saffron tide and regain lost ground, it has left Raj...

The Unequal Cousins

Raj Thackeray’s ‘sacrifice’ saved Shiv Sena (UBT) but sank the MNS Mumbai: In the volatile theatre of Maharashtra politics, the long-awaited reunion of the Thackeray cousins on the campaign trail was supposed to be the masterstroke that reclaimed Mumbai. The results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, however, tell a story of tragic asymmetry. While the alliance has successfully helped the Shiv Sena (UBT) stem the saffron tide and regain lost ground, it has left Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staring at an existential crisis. The final tally reveals a brutal reality for the MNS - Raj Thackeray played the role of the savior for his cousin, but in the process, he may have become the sole loser of the 2026 mandate. The worse part is that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is reluctant to accept this and is blaming Raj for the poor performance of his party leading to the defeat. A granular analysis of the ward-wise voting patterns exposes the fundamental flaw in this tactical alliance. The vote transfer, the holy grail of any coalition, operated strictly on a one-way street. Data suggests that the traditional MNS voter—often young, aggressive, and driven by regional pride—heeded Raj Thackeray’s call and transferred their votes to Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates in wards where the MNS did not contest. This consolidation was critical in helping the UBT hold its fortresses against the BJP's "Infra Man" juggernaut. However, the favor was not returned. In seats allocated to the MNS, the traditional Shiv Sena (UBT) voter appeared hesitant to back the "Engine" (MNS symbol). Whether due to lingering historical bitterness or a lack of instructions from the local UBT leadership, the "Torch" (UBT symbol) voters did not gravitate toward Raj’s candidates. The result? The UBT survived, while the MNS candidates were left stranded. ‘Second Fiddle’ Perhaps the most poignant aspect of this election was the shift in the personal dynamic between the Thackeray brothers. Decades ago, they parted ways over a bitter dispute regarding who would control the party helm. Raj, refusing to work under Uddhav, formed the MNS to chart his own path. Yet, in 2026, the wheel seems to have come full circle. By agreeing to contest a considerably lower number of seats and focusing his energy on the broader alliance narrative, Raj Thackeray tacitly accepted the role of "second fiddle." It was a pragmatic gamble to save the "Thackeray" brand from total erasure by the BJP-Shinde combine. While the brand survived, it is Uddhav who holds the equity, while Raj has been left with the debt. Charisma as a Charity Throughout the campaign, Raj Thackeray’s rallies were, as always, electric. His fiery oratory and charismatic presence drew massive crowds, a sharp contrast to the more somber tone of the UBT leadership. Ironically, this charisma served as a force multiplier not for his own party, but for his cousin’s. Raj acted as the star campaigner who energised the anti-BJP vote bank. He successfully articulated the anger against the "Delhi-centric" politics he accuses the BJP of fostering. But when the dust settled, the seats were won by UBT candidates who rode the wave Raj helped create. The MNS chief provided the wind for the sails, but the ship that docked in the BMC was captained by Uddhav. ‘Marathi Asmita’ Stung by the results and the realisation of the unequal exchange, Raj Thackeray took to social media shortly after the counting concluded. In an emotive post, he avoided blaming the alliance partner but instead pivoted back to his ideological roots. Urging his followers to "stick to the issue of Marathi Manoos and Marathi Asmita (pride)," Raj signaled a retreat to the core identity politics that birthed the MNS. It was a somber appeal, stripped of the bravado of the campaign, hinting at a leader who knows he must now rebuild from the rubble. The 2026 BMC election will be remembered as the moment Raj Thackeray proved he could be a kingmaker, even if it meant crowning the rival he once despised. He provided the timely help that allowed the Shiv Sena (UBT) to live to fight another day. But in the ruthless arithmetic of democracy, where moral victories count for little, the MNS stands isolated—a party that gave everything to the alliance and received nothing in return. Ironically, there are people within the UBT who still don’t want to accept this and on the contrary blame Raj Thackeray for dismal performance of the MNS, which they argue, derailed the UBT arithmetic. They state that had the MNS performed any better, the results would have been much better for the UBT.

Brand Yourself or Fall Behind

Updated: Mar 17, 2025


Brand Yourself

Imagine this: You've worked hard, met deadlines, and delivered results, yet promotions keep slipping away. Meanwhile, a colleague who speaks confidently in meetings, shares insights on LinkedIn, and builds relationships with leadership is climbing the ladder. What's the difference? Personal branding. And if you think personal branding is just for entrepreneurs or influencers, think again. In today's competitive corporate world, employees who don't actively build their brand risk being invisible, overlooked, and left behind.

 

Personal branding isn't about self-promotion; it's about showcasing your value in ways that matter. Employees who embrace personal branding build stronger reputations, gain leadership visibility, and unlock career growth. When you become known for your expertise, colleagues see you as a go-to resource, managers view you as reliable, and industry leaders recognize your potential. This positioning leads to more opportunities, from high-impact projects to leadership roles. Without it, even the most skilled employees risk being forgotten in the crowd.

 

Consider this: According to LinkedIn data, employees who regularly share insights and engage online are 40% more likely to be approached with new job opportunities. Why? Because personal branding makes you memorable. When you share expertise, insights, and industry knowledge, you demonstrate thought leadership. This elevates your professional presence both inside and outside your organization.

 

However, the impact of personal branding extends beyond promotions. It plays a key role in fostering professional security. In uncertain economic times, employees with established personal brands are more likely to be retained during layoffs because their perceived value is higher. They are seen as indispensable assets who represent knowledge, influence, and expertise. In short, personal branding safeguards your career by turning you into someone the company can't afford to lose.

 

Moreover, personal branding gives you the power to shape your career path. Employees who actively define their skills, values, and contributions position themselves for roles aligned with their strengths and ambitions. By controlling how you're perceived, you open doors to opportunities that align with your goals. The alternative? Letting others define your professional narrative — often inaccurately or incompletely.

 

Building a personal brand doesn’t require grand gestures. Small yet consistent actions have the most impact. Start by engaging in meetings — share your ideas, ask insightful questions, and contribute meaningful suggestions. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to share your expertise, whether through posts, comments, or even short videos. Showcase your achievements in subtle yet strategic ways: highlight successful projects, volunteer to lead initiatives, and build relationships across departments. Each action plants the seeds of visibility, credibility, and influence.

 

Remember, failing to build a personal brand is no longer neutral — it's a disadvantage. Employees who remain silent about their value risk stagnating in their careers while those who actively position themselves thrive. The reality is clear: your career success depends not just on your skills but on how effectively you showcase those skills to the right audience.

The corporate world is evolving rapidly, and those who stand out are the ones who invest in themselves. Don’t wait until you're overlooked for a promotion or miss a career-changing opportunity. The best time to shape your personal brand is now — while you’re still in control. If you are ready to take control of your career growth and ensure the right people notice you at the right time, let’s connect. Together, we can craft a personal brand that opens doors you never thought possible.

 

I would love to hear from you and connect with you over the below mentioned handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani

(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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