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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.

RSS’s 99-Year Journey: From 1980 to a Vision for the Future

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

In 1980, the RSS emerged as a powerful political force, leveraging the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement to elevate Hindu nationalism and solidify its influence in shaping India’s socio-political landscape. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement catapulted the BJP and the RSS to national prominence by constructing the Lord Ram temple. It tapped into the religious sentiments of millions and became a rallying point for Hindu nationalism.

 

India’s Global Leadership

 The election of long-time swayamsevak and former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, as Prime Minister in 2014 marked a turning point in Indian politics and the RSS’s influence on national affairs. Modi’s leadership emphasised economic growth, national security, and cultural revival, with initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat positioning India as a global force. His foreign policy strengthened ties with major powers like the U.S., Russia, and Japan, while enhancing India’s role in world organisations.  The RSS has shaped Modi’s policies, especially in education, culture, and social welfare, with its affiliates involved in various development initiatives.


Nation-building

One of the most remarkable aspects of the RSS’s journey has been its consistent focus on social welfare and nation-building through a wide range of social initiatives at the grassroots level to improve the lives of ordinary Indians. Seva Bharati, an RSS affiliate, operates in underdeveloped regions, offering healthcare, education, and disaster relief.


Promotion of Education

The RSS’ Vidya Bharati network of schools promotes education in rural and semi-urban areas and emphasises Indian cultural values and national pride among students.


Through its various affiliate organisations, such as the Sanskriti Bharati and the Akhil   Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, the RSS has worked to revive interest in India’s ancient history, languages, and traditions.


Vision for India

 The RSS sees India as a global leader that can offer a unique development model based on cultural values, economic self-reliance, and social harmony. It believes India’s rise as a global leader must be rooted in its civilisational values the principles of Dharma, truth, and justice that have guided Indian society for millennia. This vision of global leadership is not about dominance or hegemony but about offering a model of development that promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and human well-being.


Economic development

A key pillar of the RSS’s vision for India’s future is economic self-reliance, achieved by reducing dependence on foreign goods and fostering domestic industries and innovations This vision aligns with the Atmanirhar Bharat initiative launched by the Modi government, which seeks to make India self-sufficient in key sectors such as manufacturing, defence, and technology. The RSS believes that economic development must go hand in hand with social justice. The organisation is involved in initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised communities and promoting inclusive growth.

  

Cultural Leadership

 In addition to its economic aspirations, the RSS believes that India’s rich cultural heritage, rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma, has much to offer the world through values, philosophy, and way of life. It has been at the forefront of efforts to promote Indian culture and values globally. Through its affiliate organisations, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, the RSS has worked to connect the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots and promote a positive image of India abroad.

  

Humanitarianism

At the core of the RSS’s vision is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family, which envisions India as a peaceful, responsible global citizen contributing to world stability and welfare. The organisation has led relief efforts during COVID-19 and promoted peace both domestically and internationally.

 

The Future of the RSS

The challenge for the RSS will be to adapt to a rapidly evolving world while staying true to its core values. As India rises globally, the RSS’s role in shaping its destiny remains crucial in India, as well as global leadership and human welfare. The next phase of the RSS’s journey will bring new challenges and opportunities, but its commitment to service, discipline, and national pride will guide its path toward a strong and prosperous India—one that stands tall as a global leader and development model.


(The author is an official of Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Mumbai. Views personal)

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