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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.

Physical Gold v/s Gold Mutual Funds

Updated: Feb 24, 2025

Physical Gold v/s Gold Mutual Funds

Gold has always been a trusted investment option, primarily because it offers inflation-beating returns and acts as a hedge against economic uncertainties. It holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. When we talk about investing in gold, we refer to it as a financial asset, rather than gold purchased for personal consumption, such as jewellery. While jewellery holds sentimental and aesthetic value, it may not be the most efficient form of investment due to making charges, resale deductions, and storage concerns.


For investors looking to maximize returns and liquidity, Gold Mutual Funds (GMFs) present a smarter alternative. These funds are backed by actual gold and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring authenticity, standardisation, and transparency. Here are five key reasons why GMFs are a better investment choice than physical gold.


1. No Storage Requirement

One of the biggest challenges of owning physical gold is secure storage. Whether kept at home or in a bank locker, it requires safekeeping, which adds to costs and inconvenience. With GMFs, storage is not a concern, as they exist digitally.


2. No Risk of Impurity

Purchasing physical gold often raises concerns about purity and authenticity. GMFs eliminate these risks, as they invest in standardised, high-purity gold, giving investors peace of mind regarding quality and reliability.


3. No Threat of Theft

Physical gold is always at risk of theft, loss, or damage. Whether stored at home, in a bank locker, or worn as jewellery, it remains vulnerable to security risks. GMFs offer a safer alternative, as they exist in digital form. This removes any risk of theft or misplacement, making them a secure, worry-free investment.


4. Partial Redemption is Possible

A major limitation of physical gold is that it cannot be sold in parts. If you own `10 lakh worth of gold jewellery but need only `2 lakh, selling a portion isn't possible—you must sell the entire piece. GMFs offer flexibility, allowing investors to redeem only the required amount, keeping the rest invested. This provides greater control over one’s finances.


5. High Liquidity

Selling physical gold requires finding a buyer or jeweller at your desired price, and sometimes, they may refuse to buy during price fluctuations. Additionally, selling jewellery means deductions for making charges, leading to a lower resale value. GMFs, on the other hand, offer quick liquidity. Investors can sell units at market prices, and funds are credited to their accounts within a maximum of four working days. This ensures easy access to money whenever needed.


Final Thoughts

GMFs provide all the benefits of investing in gold without the hassles of storage, security, and purity concerns. Their high liquidity, flexibility, and digital safety make them a modern, efficient, and stress-free way to invest in gold.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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