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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘Tiger’ shrinks to an ‘alley cat’

The Shiv Sena founded by the late Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray in 1966 may have little reason to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee tomorrow – in his birth centenary year. For the second time in four years today, the party – now, Shiv Sena (UBT) - has suffered a potential split, ironically led by Eknath Shinde who first broke away on June 21, 2022. Political soothsayers aver that this time the bodily harm is serious and the wound goes deep, so the party - which espoused the cause of the ordinary...

‘Tiger’ shrinks to an ‘alley cat’

The Shiv Sena founded by the late Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray in 1966 may have little reason to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee tomorrow – in his birth centenary year. For the second time in four years today, the party – now, Shiv Sena (UBT) - has suffered a potential split, ironically led by Eknath Shinde who first broke away on June 21, 2022. Political soothsayers aver that this time the bodily harm is serious and the wound goes deep, so the party - which espoused the cause of the ordinary Marathi manoos and the lofty Hindutva - may not survive another hit in future. In the past 60-years of its high-profile existence - in power for around17-and-half years and the rest in the limelight – the party has had its share of rebellions and splits, but it managed to bounce back due to the sheer awe of the Thackeray surname. It all started 35 years ago with the doughty Chhagan Bhujbal who dared to bare the Shiv Sena’s shortcomings and quit in Dec. 1991 – stunning the party that ran on the signals or just a wave of Balasaheb’s hand. His abrupt exit along with 18 MLAs after a tiff with his mentor. Though many MLAs returned as Balasaheb roared his disapproval, Bhujbal seemed to politically flourish and made it to the post of Deputy CM, and later as Minister for many years. After deserting Balasaheb, Bhujbal had joined the Congress, then led by Sharad Pawar who later broke off to form the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 where Bhujbal followed him. However, in July 2023, when the late Ajit Pawar split the party founded by his uncle, Bhujbal went with him, dumping his original Guru, Sharad Pawar, now left with the NCP (SP). Come 2005, there was another huge blow when ex-Chief Minister and the then Leader of Opposition in Assembly Narayan Rane was expelled by Balasaheb following (Rane’s) differences with Uddhav Thackeray, then the party’s Executive President. Rane hopped over to the Congress on the assurance of getting the CM’s gaddi, but it never came, so he quit the party to form his own outfit, which he merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party and became a union minister. In November 2005, Balasaheb’s nephew Raj Thackeray resigned from the party after multiple tiffs with his cousin, Uddhav, and four months later, founded the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has yet to taste power. For nearly two decades, the warring cousins were practically at each other’s political throats, but in mid-2025, they finally hugged, kissed and made up for the larger cause of Marathi language, the Marathi Manoos, and other common points. When Uddhav broke ranks with the BJP to become the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Chief Minister, he got a rudest jolt of his life when Eknath Shinde masterminded a rebellion, took away 40 MLAs and toppled him from the ‘gaddi’. Shinde allied with the BJP to become the CM of the Maha Yuti government for almost two-and-half years. However, after the Nov. 2024 elections, the BJP made him the Deputy CM, and later Ajit Pawar joined as the second Deputy CM in July 2023. When the MVA of SS (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) notched a spectacular performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections getting 31 of the 48 seats they contested, all eyes were on its MPs, but later the Maha Yuti romped home in the November 2024 Assembly elections. After long planning and strategizing, Shinde allegedly launched the Operation Tiger and is one the verge of weaning away 6 out of 9 SS (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs – a second vertical split the Uddhav-led party suffered in four years. Over the past three decades, there were other ‘ayarams’ and ‘gayarams’ including the aggressive Sanjay Nirupam, who quit the (undivided) Shiv Sena, joined the Congress and is currently with Shinde’s party.

Odisha: Heritage by the Sea

Once the land of Kalinga, Odisha continues to captivate visitors with its history, sacred sites, artistic traditions and natural beauty.

Nestled along India’s eastern coast beside the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is a destination where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture blend seamlessly. Let’s continue our Odisha journey in Part 2 of this article.

 

Once known as the ancient land of Kalinga, Odisha preserves a legacy spanning more than two millennia while embracing modern development. Rich in heritage yet refreshingly authentic, it offers visitors an immersive journey through some of India’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures.

 

The story of Odisha is closely linked to the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which gained global significance through the Kalinga War of 261 BCE. Deeply moved by the immense suffering caused by the conflict, Emperor Ashoka renounced warfare and embraced Buddhism, spreading its message of peace across Asia. This transformation remains one of Odisha’s most enduring contributions to world civilisation.


Over the centuries, dynasties such as the Somavamshis, Eastern Gangas and Gajapatis enriched the region with magnificent temples, monuments and artistic traditions. Today, Odisha is celebrated as the “Land of Temples”, renowned for the distinctive Kalinga style of architecture characterised by soaring spires and intricate carvings.


Among its most revered landmarks is the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of Hinduism’s four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and famed for its wooden deities representing Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Every year, the spectacular Rath Yatra draws millions of devotees to witness the deities carried on magnificent chariots through the streets of Puri.


Equally iconic is the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest achievements of mediaeval Indian architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, it was designed as a colossal stone chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with intricately carved wheels, horses and sculptural panels.


The capital, Bhubaneswar, further showcases Odisha’s architectural heritage through the majestic Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple, all outstanding examples of Kalinga craftsmanship.


Beyond its monuments, Odisha captivates with diverse natural landscapes. Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, attracts thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and Europe during winter. Nearby Satapada offers opportunities to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.


The coastline is equally enchanting. The golden sands of Puri Beach and the tranquil shores of Chandrabhaga provide spectacular sunrises over the Bay of Bengal while attracting pilgrims and leisure travellers alike.


Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Odisha’s rich biodiversity. Similipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, shelters dense forests, waterfalls, elephants, leopards and Bengal tigers. Bhitarkanika National Park is known for its mangrove ecosystem, saltwater crocodiles, king cobras and abundant birdlife. Along the coast, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary hosts one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.


The cultural richness of Odisha extends beyond its monuments and landscapes. The state is renowned for Odissi, one of India’s classical dance forms, as well as traditional crafts such as Pattachitra painting, silver filigree work, stone carving, appliqué art and handloom weaving.


Festivals bring this vibrant culture to life. While Rath Yatra remains the most celebrated, Raja Parba, Boita Bandana, Chandan Yatra and the Konark Dance Festival showcase Odisha’s maritime history, artistic excellence and community traditions.


Equally memorable is the warmth of the Odia people and their cuisine. Traditional dishes such as Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda and fresh seafood reflect a philosophy of balance and harmony with nature. The sacred Mahaprasad served at the Jagannath Temple remains a cherished culinary and spiritual experience.


In recent years, Odisha has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. Improved infrastructure, eco-tourism initiatives, heritage conservation projects and international cultural events have broadened its appeal while preserving its unique identity. October to March is the best time to explore the state.


Odisha is more than a destination—it is an experience that touches the soul. Whether standing before the stone chariot of Konark, witnessing the devotion of Puri, cruising across Chilika Lake or exploring the wilderness of Similipal, visitors encounter a land where history, culture, spirituality and nature coexist in timeless harmony.


For travellers wishing to discover this remarkable state, Global Voyages, Pune, has been curating customised holidays and escorted group tours for over two decades. With carefully planned itineraries, quality accommodation, experienced local guides and personalised service, every journey through Odisha becomes seamless, enriching and unforgettable.

 

For travellers wishing to discover the many dimensions of this remarkable state, Global Voyages, Pune, has been curating customised holidays and escorted group tours for over two decades. With carefully planned itineraries, quality accommodation, experienced local guides and personalised service, Global Voyages ensures every journey through Odisha is seamless, enriching and unforgettable.


Whether travelling independently or through an organised tour, visitors will find Odisha rewarding for its blend of history, spirituality, nature and living traditions. Careful planning allows travellers to experience the state’s many highlights at a relaxed pace.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

 


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