top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

Eyes On The Power

Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar has been in politics for over half a century and had been getting elected first to the assembly, then the Lok Sabha and then to Rajya Sabah all these years. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for four times and union minister twice, where he handled crucial departments like the defence and the agriculture. He had been in the retirement mood since some time and have publically expressed his desire to move away from the active politics at times over past two years. Yet, when challenged by his nephew, he is tirelessly crisscrossing the state to campaign for near 90 candidates of his party including his grandson. He represents the real power. He is Sharad Pawar.


Born on December 12, 1940, in Baramati, Sharad Pawar is a towering figure in Indian politics. Known for his astute political acumen and unwavering dedication to public service, Pawar has had a long and illustrious career. However, he is also criticized for his seemingly contradictory decisions throughout his political life. Like, he always professed secularism, but in 1978, when he brought down the government of the then Maharashtra Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil, in which he was industries minister, to become the youngest Chief Minister of the state, he took support of the then Jana Sangh MLAs in the assembly.

He also faced several allegations and his name was embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. He was accused of travelling with two gangsters in his official plane while he was the defence minister. He was also accused of having links with fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim. He was also accused helping the US energy company Enron to set up a power plant in Ratnagiri district which had a flawed power purchase agreement that was heavily tilted in the favour of the company. However, none of such charges could do any damage to his political career. Despite the challenges and controversies that have come his way, Pawar has remained a resilient and influential leader.


One of the defining characteristics of Sharad Pawar is his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His down-to-earth personality and approachable demeanor have earned him the respect and admiration of his constituents. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards addressing their issues.


This election will test Pawar’s maneuvering skills. He has taken a responsibility to dethrone the Mahayuti. At the same time, he is determinant to finish his rebel nephew Ajit Pawar politically. If he could succeed in both the tasks Pawar will forever remain as the biggest political killer in the state.

Comments

bottom of page