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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.

Mumbai’s Mega Infrastructure Leap

Updated: Apr 1, 2025

From faster commutes to massive ports, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently revealed his ambitious plans for a future-ready infrastructure revolution.

Mumbai’s Mega Infrastructure Leap

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has outlined key projects aimed at Mumbai’s development and highlighted major infrastructure initiatives across Maharashtra. He recently spoke of his mind during a public interview.


According to him, work on the Bandra to Versova Sea Link is already in progress. Additionally, a Versova to Madh Sea Link is planned, which will further extend to Virar, along with another sea link connecting Versova to Bhayander. He explained that 60 per cent of Mumbai's traffic is concentrated on the western side, and these projects aim to ease congestion on the Western Express Highway.


According to him, the travel time from Mumbai city to Virar by road during peak hours can take anywhere between two and a half to four hours. However, with these proposed projects, the journey time is expected to be reduced to about 45 to 50 minutes.


That's not all— Fadnavis also has plans for a corridor from Virar to Alibaug, along with a circular road connecting Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).


Potential of Vadhan

Fadnavis has highlighted the potential of proposed port at Vadhvan in Palghar district to elevate Maharashtra’s and India’s maritime capabilities, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.


Mumbai's business and industrial appeal is largely driven by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, which currently handles 65 per cent of the city’s container traffic. Fadnavis noted that the proposed Vadhvan Port will be three times larger. Strategically located 10 km offshore from Vadhvan Point, it boasts a natural depth of 20 metres or 66 ft, enabling it to accommodate large vessels, including Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS).


Fourth Mumbai

Fadnavis shared that he had proposed an airport in this area to the Prime Minister, who approved the plan. The region will also feature a bullet train and is three times the size of Mumbai, envisioned as the "fourth Mumbai".

Meanwhile, the "third Mumbai" is being developed near Atul Setu as a major industrial and technological hub. This area will house 65 per cent of the state’s data centre capacity, with scope for future expansion.


Discussing future plans, the CM detailed key infrastructure projects, including road construction and the Shaktipeeth or Goa-Nagpur highway, which he said would transform Maharashtra. He also spoke about the river linkage project, which aims to connect the Wainganga and Nalganga rivers, creating a new 550-kilometre waterway to make seven districts in the Vidarbha region drought-free.


River linkage

The CM Fadnavis also shared plans to divert 54 TMC (thousand cubic feet) of water, which currently flows into the sea, to the Godavari River through a river linkage project. While 49% of Maharashtra relies on the Godavari, it remains a deficit basin. However, this initiative aims to make Northern Maharashtra and Marathwada drought-free.


While these are some of the key projects highlighted by Fadnavis, he also mentioned other initiatives in the pipeline, including new airports in Pune and Nagpur. Additionally, there are plans to transform Mumbai Airport into a brownfield project.


He concluded by stating that whether it is building a port, road, airport, or housing project, the government has undertaken the country’s largest target under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana—20 lakh houses. Of these, 10 lakh have already been allocated, with an additional five lakh to be distributed soon. Initiating the construction of 20 lakh houses in a single year marks a historic record for India.


Maharashtra's ambitious infrastructure push aims to ease congestion, boost trade, and enhance water security. It is a welcome and long-overdue solution to the state’s growing needs.

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