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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.

Pricey Plates

Updated: Feb 21, 2025

Maharashtra’s transport department has embarked on a fresh enforcement drive, cracking down on fancy number plates and mandating High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles. While such measures may be well-intentioned in their aim to curb theft and standardise identification, the timing and cost of implementation raise pertinent questions. In a state where pothole-ridden roads, chaotic traffic and frequent wrong-side driving are routine hazards for commuters, is imposing additional costs on citizens the best use of resources?


The urgency with which the authorities are enforcing this mandate is striking. A special drive that began on February 18 will run until mid-March, with transport officials ordered to inspect vehicles daily. Those found flouting the HSRP rule will be fined, and non-compliance could lead to harsher penalties. Vehicles registered after April 1, 2019 are required to have HSRPs, and their owners must comply by April 30 this year or face fines of Rs. 1,000. The government has even appointed three private agencies to handle the installation across different zones in the state. The initiative, however, is riddled with practical concerns.


To begin with, compliance rates remain abysmally low. Of the over 1.5 crore vehicles eligible for HSRPs, only five lakh have made the switch so far. The plates cost between Rs. 531 and Rs. 879, no small sum for the average two-wheeler or car owner, especially in a state grappling with economic pressures. For many, this new mandate appears less about road safety and more about revenue collection, with private agencies benefitting at the expense of ordinary citizens.


Moreover, if the government is so eager to enforce traffic regulations, there are far more pressing issues that warrant attention. The roads in Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra’s largest cities, are in a state of perpetual disrepair. Traffic congestion is endemic, with narrow roads unable to cope with the rising number of vehicles. Lawless driving remains rampant with wrong-side driving, signal jumping and reckless overtaking daily occurrences. Yet, rather than investing in better road infrastructure or improving enforcement of traffic rules, the government seems determined to make vehicle owners foot the bill for an additional bureaucratic requirement.


The authorities argue that HSRPs are essential for curbing vehicle theft and streamlining identification. The plates, made of a rare aluminium alloy, feature a tamper-proof hologram of the Ashok Chakra, a retro-reflective film and a unique laser-etched serial number. These security features make it harder for stolen vehicles to be resold or re-registered under a false identity. While this is a valid concern, it is unclear why the entire financial burden must be shouldered by vehicle owners. Should the state not bear at least a portion of the costs, given that road safety and crime prevention are public responsibilities?


Maharashtra’s roads and traffic management are in dire need of reform. While standardised number plates may offer benefits, they are hardly the most pressing concern. If the government is serious about road safety, it would do well to focus on smoother roads, better traffic policing and stricter enforcement of existing rules. Maharashtra’s motorists do not need a more expensive number plate; they need roads worth driving on.

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