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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.

Money Saved Is Money Earned — A Beautiful Reflection

Money saved is money protected, money honoured, and money that grows with you.

In a world that constantly pushes us to spend, to upgrade, and to chase the next new thing, there is a quiet power in choosing to walk a different path. There is dignity, strength, and a steady sense of self-respect in the simple yet meaningful act of saving. After all, money saved is not just money earned — it is money protected, money honoured, and ultimately, money that grows with you and supports the life you truly want to build.

 

Every rupee you save is a silent victory over impulsiveness. It is a gentle whisper from your wiser self saying, “I am building my tomorrow. I am taking care of myself.”

We often celebrate incomes, salaries, and bonuses. But very few of us pause to acknowledge the smaller decisions — the ones that quietly shape our days. Like choosing to walk instead of taking a cab, cooking at home instead of ordering out, or saying “not today” to a purchase we know we don’t truly need. Yet it is these seemingly small choices, repeated over time, that shape our financial future far more than the big moments we usually applaud.

 

People often assume that saving is a sacrifice, something that takes away from the present. But in truth, saving is one of the purest expressions of self-love. It is choosing long-term security over momentary temptation, choosing peace over pressure, and choosing freedom over fear. When you save, you are not depriving yourself — you are gifting your future self a life that feels safer, calmer, and far more beautiful.


Within your means

Living within your means is not about scarcity; it is about clarity. It is about knowing what truly deserves your money and what doesn’t, what adds value to your life and what only adds noise. A person who learns how to save becomes rich long before their bank balance grows. This is because they develop discipline, wisdom, and the emotional strength that forms the real foundation of wealth.


Money saved eventually turns into opportunities. A trip you’ve always wanted to take, a dream you hope to fulfil, a small comfort you can enjoy without guilt, a cushion for emergencies, or even the foundation for future investments. It is your money quietly working behind the scenes, opening doors you didn’t even know existed and creating possibilities long before you need them.


When you save consistently, something almost magical begins to happen. Your money starts working for you instead of the other way around. Interest grows, investments grow, your confidence grows, and suddenly life starts opening up in ways that simply weren’t possible before. This is why we say, “Money saved is money earned… and money invested is money multiplied.”


Wise saver

A wise saver is never stingy — they are simply selective. They understand the value of every rupee, and they choose to direct their money toward purpose rather than pressure. Such people do not chase luxury; in time, luxury finds its way to them. They do not chase status; respect comes naturally to them. Because the world instinctively admires someone who lives with clarity, dignity, and a strong sense of who they are.


Saving is not just about finances — it is a mindset, a way of living with intention, and a beautiful commitment to the future you want to create for yourself.


So, every time you save even Rs 100, pause and remind yourself: “I am building my tomorrow. I am protecting my peace. I am growing — slowly, steadily, and beautifully.”


Because truly and deeply… Money saved is money earned — and it is one of the most beautiful forms of empowerment.

 

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

 


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