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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the...

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the state and central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and when some attempted to enter inside, they were prevented by a strong posse of Mumbai Police deployed there since Monday. As tensions appeared to escalate, the police clamped down by detaining top state and city Youth Congress leaders including President Harshwardhan Sapkal, Vijay Wadettiwar, Bhai Jagtap, Hussain Dalwai, and many others. Thousands of students carried out a fresh demonstration at Dadar west Shivaji Park to vent their ire at the police action on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s agitation in New Delhi on Monday. Several MVA leaders and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray visited or expressed solidarity with the protesting youth, comprising many women. Opposition’s Voice The Congress leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi was targeted by the BJP-led government to muzzle democratic dissent, suppress the Opposition voices inside and outside Parliament and trampling upon the peoples' Constitutional Rights to protest peacefully. Defying pouring rains in the city on Wednesday, Congress workers along with activists of MVA allies, staged a noisy demonstration in Chembur and another group attempted to storm the BJP office in south Mumbai, condemning the assault on students in New Delhi and the detention of the Gandhi siblings. Senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai flayed the government for “misusing the police” to gag democratic rights and the protests were intended to defend the Constitution and democracy against the BJP’s policy of intolerance of dissent in any form. “This is gross injustice. We are not allowed to protest against the government failures as they are misusing the police. The PM is scared of taking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as he could be the next. We want to highlight to the BJP to govern the country as per the Constitution,” Dalwai declared, interacting with the media at Nariman Point. As the BJP also threatened to launch counter-protests, the police cordoned off and deployed a precautionary security ring around Tilak Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters, as leaders from both sides exchanged political darts and looked aggressive enough for a confrontation. MVA ‘bandh’, ‘Tricolour’ march today The state is set for another two days of political turmoil as the MVA has announced a Maharashtra shutdown (‘bandh’) on Thursday followed by a non-partisan ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on Friday. MVA allies, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, besides other leaders of the alliance, informed of the state and city level actions today. Ambedkar appealed to the masses and also the BJP youth to participate wholeheartedly in the bandh tomorrow and claimed that students’ bodies, parent-teachers associations, colleges, universities, other institutes of higher education, private coaching institutions, and other governmental departments could support the shutdown, as it has now become a national issue. Aaditya sought the peoples’ participation in the ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on the theme of “One Nation, One Emotion” planned on July 24 afternoon to Shivaji Park, in support of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, the Cockroach Janta Party, plus the youth and students protesting in New Delhi. Terming it as a national citizens’ movement rather than a political party, he called upon the people not to carry any party flags but unite under the National Tricolour to assert democratic rights and express resentment against the government’s high-handed policies. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have already imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 across the city from July 23-to- August 6, apprehending the possibility of law-and-order disturbances.

Cape Verde: Dreams Realised on Global Stage

In the vast tapestry of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, few stories shine as brightly as that of Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks. A nation of just over half a million souls, scattered across ten volcanic islands in the


Atlantic, this archipelago has etched its name into football immortality. Not as champions in the traditional sense, but as beacons of hope, resilience, and the unyielding power of belief. Their debut tournament was not merely participation—it was a masterclass in defying odds, proving that size is no barrier to greatness.


Qualifying ahead of football titans like Cameroon in CAF Group D was already a triumph. With seven wins, two draws, and just one defeat in ten matches, Cape Verde secured top spot and their ticket to the expanded 48-team finals. For a country celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, this achievement symbolized more than sporting success; it was a declaration of national pride and unity. The "11th island"—their vibrant diaspora across Europe and beyond—poured heart and soul into supporting the team, turning every match into a collective roar from the islands to the mainland.


From the opening whistle in Group H, Cape Verde announced their arrival with authority and grace. Holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing heroic saves at age 40, ignited imaginations worldwide. Then came a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against two-time champions Uruguay, where Cape Verde scored their first-ever World Cup goals and showed no fear against pedigree opponents. A hard-fought 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia sealed progression to the knockout rounds—unbeaten in the group stage. They became the smallest nation ever to reach the last 32, a record that underscores the magnitude of their feat.


The round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina in Miami was destined to be legendary. Facing Lionel Messi and a star-studded side, few gave the Blue Sharks a chance. Yet, they delivered a performance for the ages. Trailing early, Cape Verde equalized not once but twice—Duarte's strike and Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunning wonder goal sending the stadium into delirium and forcing extra time. They pushed the mighty Albiceleste to the brink, only falling 3-2 after 120 grueling minutes. Messi himself praised their fight, swapping shirts and consoling players like Vozinha. In defeat, Cape Verde won something far greater: global admiration and a permanent place in World Cup lore.


What makes this run so profoundly inspirational is its deeper meaning. Cape Verde embodies the essence of football as the beautiful game—a sport where passion, tactical discipline, and collective spirit can level the playing field against financial powerhouses. Their players, many with roots in the diaspora, balanced club careers with national duty, training on modest facilities yet competing with world-class intensity. Coach and staff fostered a family atmosphere, turning limited resources into an unstoppable force of will. For the youth of Cape Verde and aspiring athletes across small nations, this tournament sends a resounding message: Dare to dream. Your islands may be small, your population modest, but your heart and talent know no bounds. Every save by Vozinha, every surging run, every goal celebrated with island fervor reminded us that underdogs don't just write fairy tales—they live them.


As the 2026 World Cup continues, Cape Verde returns home as heroes. Their journey ends not in sorrow but in celebration. They leave behind unforgettable moments: the pride of a nation united, the respect of football giants, and proof that belief can carry you to extra time against the best. The Blue Sharks have inspired a generation, elevated African football's diversity, and shown the world that true victory lies in the courage to compete.


Cape Verde, your performance was more than football—it was poetry in motion, a symphony of hope. You made billions believe in the impossible. The islands echo with pride today, and tomorrow's dreamers will walk taller because of you. Onward, Blue Sharks. Your legacy is eternal.


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai.)

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