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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.

Lessons from Sweden: Is 'ONOE' the Future for India?

Updated: Dec 23, 2024

Sweden

Sweden holds combined municipal, county, and parliamentary elections every four years. Voters can choose to vote for a party, candidate, or both. Early voting is available nationwide for those unable to vote at their designated polling station. Non-Swedish residents living in Sweden for over three years can vote in municipal and county elections. Elections are held on the second Sunday of September, with the next one on September 13, 2026, from 08:00 to 20:00. Early voting starts 18 days prior, on August 24. To gain representation, parties must secure at least 4% of the national vote or 12% in a single constituency.


To vote, you must be at least 18 by Election Day (September 13, 2026), a Swedish citizen, and have been registered in Sweden. Non-Swedish citizens can vote in municipal and county elections if they’ve lived in Sweden for at least three years. Swedish citizens abroad can vote in parliamentary and European elections but must renew their registration every 10 years.


Voting options include voting at an embassy or consulate with a valid ID (such as a Swedish passport or ID card). If you don't have one, someone else can certify your identity. Alternatively, you can vote by mail by requesting postal voting materials from Swedish authorities or embassies. Votes must be sent no earlier than 45 days before Election Day and received by the day before the election, which also confirms your voter registration.


Thirty days before the election, a voter list is created, and each voter receives a ballot card with polling station details. Voters must bring this card or a valid ID to vote. If the card is lost, a duplicate can be obtained from the municipality, county board, or early voting locations.


Early Voting

Early voting is available nationwide 18 days before the election. Some municipalities may require you to bring your own ballot papers. To vote early, bring your ballot card and a valid ID; someone can certify your identity if needed. If you change your mind, you can vote again on Election Day, with the new vote overriding the earlier one.


Where can I vote in the 2026 election?

As a voter, you're assigned to a specific election district based on your National Account Address. On Election Day, you vote at the designated polling station for your district. Your voting card, sent by mail, shows your district and polling station details. Overseas Swedish voters need a special voting card to identify their polling station, as this information is not included on the foreign voting card.


How to Vote: Party or Candidate?

To vote, you can choose a party or a specific candidate. For a party, you can select a pre-printed ballot with the party's name, leave the candidate's box unticked on a ballot with both names, or write the party's name on a blank ballot. To vote for a candidate, tick their name if the party has multiple candidates, or write the candidate's name on a blank ballot if the party has none. If using a blank ballot, include the party's name as well.


Elections to the Riksdag

In Riksdag elections, you can only vote for candidates listed on the ballot papers for your parliamentary election. Some parties have nationwide ballots marked "The whole country," which can be used regardless of your constituency.


Elections to the Municipal and County Councils

For municipal and county council elections, use ballot papers specific to your municipality and county. While constituencies exist, you can vote for candidates from any constituency within your municipality or county. However, if you choose a candidate from another municipality or county, your vote will only count as a vote for the party in your area.


The Voting Process

At the polling station, ballots for all parties with at least 1% of votes from the last two elections will be available, along with blank ballots for missing parties. Envelopes are colour-coded: yellow for Riksdag, white for municipal council, and blue for county council elections. Behind the privacy screen, place one ballot per election in the corresponding envelope, marking a candidate’s name or writing in the party and candidate for blank ballots. Submit your sealed envelopes at the polling station.


What Happens to Your Ballot?

After presenting your voting card or ID, your vote is recorded, and envelopes are placed in secure boxes. Preliminary counts of Riksdag votes are conducted first, followed by municipal and county elections, with counts made public for transparency. On Wednesday, the electoral committee reviews any uncounted votes, and the county administrative board performs the final count, including late and postal votes.


Sweden’s combined elections offer an organised voting process with early voting, absentee ballots, and registration updates. This system could serve as a model for India’s "One Nation, One Election" initiative, potentially reducing logistical challenges, improving voter turnout, and maximising resources through streamlined elections.


(The author is an IT-professional. Views personal.)

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