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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.

‘Dreamliner’ – Boeing's best-seller

Mumbai: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner – one of which ended up in the nightmarish crash in Ahmedabad, minutes after it took off with 242 souls on board – ranked as a pride in the US-based The Boeing Company’s hangar of modern aircraft.

 

Soon after the debacle of the Ahmedabad-Gatwick London flight, Boeing said in a statement from Seattle: “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”

 

The Dreamliner is considered a veritable masterpiece in civil aviation, bringing with it cutting-edge technology, comforts and most important fuel efficiency.

 

Manufactured by Boeing’s division, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), the Dreamliners are used and quickly became a favourite of many airlines plus other aviation companies globally in a short span.

 

“In less than 14 years, the 787 Dreamliner fleet has carried more than one billion passengers, faster than any other wide body jet in aviation history,” proclaims Boeing.com.

 

It said that the airplane’s industry-leading technology creates remarkable opportunities for airlines around the world and dramatically improves the air travel experience.

 

“A lighter and robust composite structure enables airlines to reduce fuel use by up to 25 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces. The 787 has unlocked more than 425 new nonstop routes around the world, many of which were never served previously,” said Boeing.com.

 

The company added that on nearly 5 million flights, fliers have an experience like none other in the air. These include: innovative interiors which provide spacious cabins, better views with the largest windows available on any widebody commercial jet today, and cabin enhancements that allow passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

 

Way back in October 2012, Air India became the first airline to take delivery of a Dreamliner built at Boeing’s South Carolina plant, outside its original Everett, Washington facility.

 

The Boeing Dreamliner family of 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 can carry 248, 296 and 336 passengers respectively, in two configurations. 

 

Its range is around 13,530 kms, 14,010 kms and 11,730 kms, making it ideal for long-haul transcontinental services, and all fitted with the same GEnx-1B/Trent 1000 engines.

 

While all the three Dreamliner aircraft are sleek, 17 metres tall with a wing-span 60 metres each, their lengths are 57 metres, 63 metres and 68 metres, respectively.

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