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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

New icon of party loyalty amid world of turncoats

Mumbai: In the competitive landscape of Mumbai’s municipal politics, Akshata Tendulkar has emerged as a symbol of ideological steadfastness and party loyalty. Known as a “staunch Hindutva voice” in the Mahim-Dadar belt, she has navigated a political terrain historically dominated by regional heavyweights like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The Mahim-Dadar area has long been the ideological heart of Mumbai’s politics. For a BJP leader to carve out a niche as a...

New icon of party loyalty amid world of turncoats

Mumbai: In the competitive landscape of Mumbai’s municipal politics, Akshata Tendulkar has emerged as a symbol of ideological steadfastness and party loyalty. Known as a “staunch Hindutva voice” in the Mahim-Dadar belt, she has navigated a political terrain historically dominated by regional heavyweights like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The Mahim-Dadar area has long been the ideological heart of Mumbai’s politics. For a BJP leader to carve out a niche as a prominent proponent of Hindutva in this specific geography is a significant feat. Tendulkar’s rise is attributed to her vocal and uncompromising stance on cultural and religious identity, which has resonated with a traditional voter base that feels a deep connection to the Hindutva narrative. In an era where political affiliations are often fluid, Tendulkar’s career reached a defining moment during the seat-sharing negotiations of the Mahayuti alliance. When her preferred ward was allocated to the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) as part of the coalition agreement, she faced a difficult choice: switch banners to stay in the race or stand down. Striking Aspect The most striking aspect of Tendulkar’s profile is her refusal to compromise on her political identity for the sake of an electoral ticket. Recognizing her local influence and the strength of her “Hindutva voice,” the Shiv Sena reportedly offered her a ticket to contest the election under their “bow and arrow” symbol. While many politicians today—often referred to as “turncoats”—regularly cross party-lines to secure power, Tendulkar chose a different path. She famously declined the offer, insisting that she remained committed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); that she would only contest as a candidate representing the party she had served and that her loyalty to the organisation outweighed her personal ambition for office. Rare Precedent “This is a very rare example of party loyalty in today’s times. I’m happy that such examples can be found only in the BJP,” said city BJP spokesperson Niranjan Shetty. He also highlighted that by choosing to withdraw from the race rather than abandon her party’s flag, Tendulkar set a rare precedent in contemporary Maharashtra politics. Her decision reinforced her image as a leader driven by conviction rather than opportunism. “She has earned the leadership by her fearless acts and uncompromising nature when it comes to issues related to Hindutva,” said senior RSS worker from Dadar area, Ramesh Deole. “Her decision today will be remembered for times to come,” he added. While it might be a ‘Political Harakiri’ in opinion of a few political analysts. But, with her act today she has actually given herself a larger identity. Today, she is viewed not just as a local leader from Ward 192, but as a “distinct example of loyalty.” Her background as a fierce advocate for Hindutva remains her calling card, making her a critical asset for the BJP in the heart of Mumbai. In a city where political winds shift rapidly, Akshata Tendulkar stands as a reminder of the power of ideological consistency.

Navy doc treat injured Pakistani crew

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Mumbai: In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian Navy (IN) rendered lifesaving medical assistance to save the life of a Pakistani crewman on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, officials said.


The operation took place on Friday/Saturday around 350 nautical miles in the high seas off Oman coast, with the help of the stealth frigate INS Trikand.


On April 4, the INS Trikand monitored a distress call from the Omani vessel 'Al Omeedi' seeking help for a crew member, who was seriously injured with multiple fractures and blood loss.


Further enquiry revealed that the distressed crewman was working on the vessel's engine when he sustained the grievous injuries and was transferred to another Iran-bound dhow, 'FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia', in the vicinity.

On getting the SOS, INS Trikand immediately altered her course to rush medical assistance to the injured crew.


The 'FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia' has a contingent of 11 Pakistanis and 5 Iranians manning the vessel.


The Indian warship's medical officer along with a team of Marine Commandos boarded the FV.


Ob board, the MO started the three hour long medical procedures, controlling the blood flow, suturing and splinting of the crew's injured fingers.

It was a timely response which prevented the patient's total loss of the injured fingers due to gangrene.


The IN stealth warship also provided crucial medical supplies, antibiotics to the FV to ensure the injured crew's wellbeing till the dhow reaches Iran.


The entire crew of the dhow expressed their gratitude to the IN for rendering assistance on time that helped saving their injured mate's life, said the IN officials.

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