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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 4:59:11 pm

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as...

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as independents, setting the stage for high-stakes, multi-cornered contests. Mahayuti Turmoil The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is grappling with rebellion on multiple fronts. In the critical Nagpur Graduates constituency, a traditional BJP stronghold, former BJP MLC and Nagpur Mayor Anil Sole has thrown a spanner in the works by filing his nomination as an independent candidate. This move directly challenges the official BJP candidate, Sudhakar Kohale. While the BJP leadership, including state president Ravindra Chavan, has attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that Sole has been "pacified," the former MLC's actions tell a different story. Sole's decision to contest independently is particularly significant given his long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his previous stint as a BJP MLC from the very same constituency. The situation is equally complicated in the Amravati Teachers constituency. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has officially fielded Kiran Sarnaik. However, adding to the confusion, Sangita Shinde, sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, has also entered the fray, potentially splitting the Mahayuti vote. The opposition MVA is also facing its share of internal discord here. While the Congress has nominated Aditi Pohre, daughter of former minister Harshvardhan Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Dattatray Lahane. The presence of numerous candidates representing various teachers' organizations further complicates the electoral arithmetic in this constituency. Opposition Rebellion The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Graduates constituency has witnessed another surprise development. While the NCP's sitting MLC, Satish Chavan, was widely considered the frontrunner, the BJP's M.K. Deshmukh has unexpectedly filed his nomination as a rebel candidate, catching the Mahayuti leadership completely off guard. The MVA, too, is facing rebellion in this constituency. Although the seat was officially allocated to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Dilip Ghuge has also filed his nomination, causing significant heartburn within the opposition alliance. The Pune constituencies present a microcosm of the larger alliance troubles. In the Pune Graduates constituency, the BJP has fielded Dr. Smita Jadhav, the daughter-in-law of Pratap Singh Jadhav, owner of the 'Pudhari' news group and niece of Congress leader Satej Patil. Adding intrigue to this contest is the fact that she is contesting against Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, the official candidate of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). However, the real drama is unfolding in the Pune Teachers constituency. The BJP's official candidate, Koustubh Gawde, is facing a formidable challenge from Mangesh Chiwate, a close confidant of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chiwate, a former journalist who handled the CM's medical aid cell while Shinde was the CM, has claimed that his party leadership has provided him with the crucial 'AB' form, signaling official backing. Commenting on the chaotic situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that seat-sharing talks remained inconclusive in some areas but expressed hope that the alliance partners would eventually reach an agreement. The true picture of the electoral battlefield will only emerge after Friday, October 9th, the last date for the withdrawal of nominations. Until then, both alliances will be working overtime to contain the rebellions and present a united front, but the deep cracks exposed by these developments suggest that the upcoming MLC elections will be fiercely contested and highly unpredictable.

Lord Ram: The Divine Human

Writer: Asha Tripathi
Asha Tripathi
Mar 23
3 min read

Ram Navami gently reminds us that divinity is not outside—it is in the way we live our daily lives.

Ram Navami, celebrated on the 26th of March this year, marks the divine birth of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. More than just a festival, it is a reminder of how a human life, when lived with discipline, truth, and devotion, can become divine. Lord Ram is not worshipped merely because he was God, but because he showed how to live as an ideal human being—Maryada Purushottam, the supreme upholder of righteousness.


Ram Navami symbolises the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). It is a celebration of hope—that even in the darkest times, goodness will prevail.


But beyond rituals and celebrations, the true significance lies in self-reflection: Are we living truthfully? Are we fulfilling our duties with sincerity? Are we compassionate, even when life is unfair?


Ram Navami gently reminds us that divinity is not outside—it is in the way we live our daily lives.


Living Ram’s Values

1. Unwavering Commitment to Duty (Dharma): Lord Ram chose exile for 14 years without hesitation, simply to honour his father’s word. He did not argue, blame, or resist. His example reminds us that in a world often shaped by comfort and convenience, responsibility and integrity remain the truest tests of character. Doing what is right, even when it is difficult, is the highest form of strength.


2. Grace in Adversity: Lord Ram chose exile for 14 years without hesitation, simply to honour his father’s word. His example reminds us that in a world shaped by comfort and convenience, responsibility and integrity remain the truest tests of character. Doing what is right—even when it is difficult—is the highest form of strength.


3. Respect in Relationships: Lord Ram brought grace and dignity to every relationship — as a son, husband, brother, and king. His love for Sita, his reverence for his parents, and his deep bond with Lakshman and Bharat were anchored in trust and honour. In an age of fragile ties, his life reminds us that lasting relationships are built not on words alone, but on sacrifice, responsibility, and respect.


4. Leadership with Compassion: As a king, Ram placed his people above himself. His rule, often called Ram Rajya, was marked by justice, equality, and peace. His example reminds us that true leadership is not about control—it is about service, empathy, and fairness.


5. Humility Despite Power: Even though he was divine, Ram lived like a common man—simple, grounded, and approachable. His example shows us that no matter how successful or powerful we become, humility is what makes us truly great.


6. Faith and Surrender: Ram’s life was a perfect blend of effort and surrender. He did his duty fully but trusted the divine flow of life. In life, we often try to control everything. But Ram teaches us to do our best and surrender the rest.


Ram in Modern Life

In a world shaped by stress, rising expectations, and emotional strain, Lord Ram’s life remains deeply relevant. His example offers a quiet moral clarity: when relationships become strained, choose respect over ego; when life feels unjust, let patience prevail over anger; when difficult decisions arise, hold fast to truth rather than convenience; and when uncertainty clouds the path, let faith speak louder than fear.


This Ram Navami, beyond rituals and celebration, there is value in a quieter pause for self-reflection. Are we truthful in our actions? Do we stand by our commitments? Do we treat others with dignity? Are we at peace within ourselves? The true celebration of Lord Ram lies not in temples alone, but in the effort to embody his values a little more each day.


Lord Ram’s enduring relevance lies in the fact that his life speaks across time — not only to faith, but to character. In an age of speed, strain, and moral uncertainty, his example still offers clarity. To truly honour him is not merely to celebrate Ram Navami, but to let his values shape the way we think, act, and live.


Jai Shree Ram!


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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