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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.

Dream coming true for Sarfaraz, long way to go

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Dream coming true for Sarfaraz, long way to go

Sarfaraz Khan will celebrate his 27th birthday October 22. He has given himself and his Abbu a gift in advance by scoring his maiden Test ton on the hallowed turf of KSCAs Chinnaswamyu Stadium, Bengaluru.

Sarfaraz a school cricket prodigy from Mumbai has fulfilled dream of scoring a Test Century that too a big one of 150.


Sarfaraz Khan, Pruthvi Shaw and Aarmaan Jaffer (nephew of Test star Wasim Jaffer ) were rated very highly from their schooldays. The days of Harris and Giles Shield Cricket Tournament. Local as well as national newspapers were always carrying their news with photo on the sports pages. Sarfaraz Khan was lucky enough to play in two world cups (2014 and 2019).


Pruthvi Shaw got selected to play for Mumbai as well as India. Not only that he scored a century for India on his Test debut whereas Sarfraz had to wait for pretty long time to make his India debut.


Sarfaraz’s career has many ups and downs. He faced disciplinary action from Mumbai Cricket Association from his junior age group level cricket days. He got an IPL contract at young age. RCB picked him up and he showed promise by hitting 45 off just 21 balls against Rajasthan Royals but he flattered to deceive.


He was retained by RCB who had big Super Stars like Virat Kohli, AB Devilliers, Chris Gayle. Then his career took a jolt. He left Mumbai and went to play for UP which was a turning point in his career. After two futile years in UP Sarfaraz’s father Naushad Khan thought it was enough and he returned to Mumbai.


Coming back to Mumbai was a key moment in Sarfaraz’s Career. He scored heavily for Mumbai crossing 900 + mark twice in a row and it ultimately paved the way for his India debut after a long wait.


Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. Former India Skipper Anil Kumble handed him India Cap and Sarfaraz played breezy knock of 62 and won the hearts of his many supporters.


Naushad was happy to see his son earning India Cap and scoring brilliant breezy knock. He played three Tests against England earlier this year. Now, against New Zealand Sarfaraz fulfilled his earlier promise of scoring a century at his favourite ground of his first IPL teams.


Sarfaraz has potential to score runs not only in domestic cricket but at an international level too. He showed his class in Bengaluru. His cover driven four had the stamp of authority. On damp Chinnaswamy outfield Sarfaraz has made imprint. With the Down Under trip round the corner the cricket loving fraternity expecting runs by tons in International Cricket.

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