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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

High-stakes chess beneath the surface

BJP Candidates coming out after filing their nomination for the upcoming Legislative Council Polls from Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday. Pic: Bhushan Koyande Mumbai: Typically, when a ruling coalition enjoys a formidable and comfortable majority, elections to the Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Council are quiet, predictable affairs. They are often viewed as mere formalities, rarely capturing the public imagination or dominating front-page headlines. Historically, these indirect...

High-stakes chess beneath the surface

BJP Candidates coming out after filing their nomination for the upcoming Legislative Council Polls from Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday. Pic: Bhushan Koyande Mumbai: Typically, when a ruling coalition enjoys a formidable and comfortable majority, elections to the Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Council are quiet, predictable affairs. They are often viewed as mere formalities, rarely capturing the public imagination or dominating front-page headlines. Historically, these indirect elections only become newsworthy under specific conditions: either the ruling coalition is plagued by internal fissures, or the opposition is too fragmented to put up a united front. In Maharashtra, however, the political landscape remains highly volatile. Recently, the Rajya Sabha elections became the center of intense media scrutiny, and over the past week, the Legislative Council polls followed suit. Although all ten candidates—nine from the ruling alliance and one from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—are now set to be elected unopposed, the intricate backroom maneuvers that led to this truce kept the state’s political circles buzzing. Interestingly, the reason for this heightened news value can be traced to both a subtle tug-of-war within the ruling combine and a visibly weakened opposition. Shifting Strategy The maneuvering within the opposition ranks has been particularly telling. A major focal point of the election buildup was the anticipated candidacy of Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray. After generating considerable hype and speculation about a potential return to the legislature, Thackeray ultimately chose to withdraw from the electoral fray. This sudden pullback forced a rapid recalibration within the MVA. Initially, the Congress party had adopted an aggressive posture, declaring its intention to field a candidate if Thackeray decided against contesting. However, following closed-door deliberations with Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership, the Congress quietly backed down. Why the state Congress leadership so readily acquiesced to this sudden change in strategy, sacrificing a potential seat, remains a mystery and a subject of intense debate among political observers. On the other side of the aisle, the ruling Mahayuti coalition maximized this electoral opportunity to consolidate its political base, reward loyalists, and balance complex regional equations. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strategically paved the way for the political rehabilitation of former Congress legislator Zishan Siddique by nominating him to the Legislative Council. This calculated move introduces a prominent new Muslim face for the party, likely intended to fill the leadership vacuum in Mumbai left by veteran leader Nawab Malik. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde used his nominations to send a definitive message about the premium he places on loyalty. By securing another term for Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Shinde demonstrated that those who stood by his faction would be adequately rewarded. Furthermore, by bringing Vidarbha strongman Bachchu Kadu into the fold, Shinde has attempted to anchor his party’s future and expand its footprint in a region predominantly controlled by his senior alliance partner, the BJP. The Bharatiya Janata Party, playing its characteristic long game, meticulously ensured that its list of six candidates struck the perfect organizational, social, and political balance. Battle for LOP Despite these broader alliance strategies, the most consequential nomination in this electoral cycle is arguably that of Ambadas Danve. Barely six months after completing his tenure in the Upper House and stepping down from the prestigious post of Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Danve has been nominated once again by the Shiv Sena (UBT). With his return to the house, there is a strong possibility that he will reclaim his former post. This specific development highlights a much deeper crisis within the Congress. Following Danve’s brief retirement, the Congress had naturally emerged as the largest opposition party in the Upper House. This mathematical advantage theoretically paved the way for their Kolhapur strongman, Satej “Banti” Patil, to lay claim to the Leader of the Opposition’s chair. However, the sudden defection of Congress MLC Pradnya Satav, who switched loyalties to the BJP, severely dented the party’s numbers. Her departure brought the Congress’s strength in the house just below that of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Stripped of its numerical superiority overnight, the Congress was relegated to being a mute spectator, unable to assert its rightful claim. Internal Dissent This series of tactical defeats has triggered palpable frustration within the Congress’s state unit. One senior Congress leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed deep disappointment with the state leadership’s inability to protect the party’s interests. “Everyone has personal political ambitions, but leaders must learn the ways to collectively move ahead and strategize,” the leader remarked, attributing the party’s current stagnation in Maharashtra to this lack of cohesive vision. In short, these Legislative Council elections have delivered one message loud and clear: even when everything appears calm and stable on the surface, the relentless machinery of politics continues to churn behind the scenes. No political player in Maharashtra can afford to rest assured or sit idle under the illusion that there are no major state elections until 2029.

Science for All: MVP at 60

On occasion of its diamond jubilee, the Marathi Vidnyan Parishad is adapting its mission of vernacular science outreach to a more digital age without losing sight of its founding ideals.

The Marathi Vidnyan Parishad (MVP), Mumbai, one of India’s most respected science communication movements, recently completed 60 years of its inspiring journey. Over the past six decades, the Parishad has played a pioneering role in promoting scientific temper, disseminating scientific knowledge in the Marathi language, and nurturing curiosity about science among students, teachers, and the general public across Maharashtra.


Established in 1966, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad was founded with the vision of making science accessible to society through the mother tongue. Inspired by the national vision of fostering scientific temper articulated by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, the founders believed that scientific knowledge should not remain confined to laboratories, universities, or English-language publications. Instead, it should reach ordinary citizens in their own language so that science becomes a living and meaningful part of social and intellectual life.


Lofty Mission

From its very inception, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad adopted a clear and purposeful mission: to popularise science, encourage rational thinking, and cultivate an informed and scientifically aware society. Through lectures, workshops, science exhibitions, publications, and educational programmes, the Parishad has created a vibrant platform where scientists, teachers, students, and citizens can interact and engage with scientific ideas and discoveries.


As President of the Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, M. N. Gogate has provided visionary leadership in promoting scientific temper and rational thinking in society. He has championed the integration of traditional science outreach with digital learning and emerging interdisciplinary domains. Under his stewardship, the Parishad has expanded its outreach to younger generations, nurturing curiosity and innovation. He has been a steadfast advocate of inclusivity, ensuring science reaches diverse communities through regional languages and accessible communication.


Under his guidance, the Parishad has expanded its reach, inspiring curiosity among younger generations. His efforts have strengthened collaborations with academia, research bodies, and industry. He remains a strong advocate of inclusive science communication, making knowledge accessible to all.


A distinctive strength of the MVP has been the leadership it received from eminent scientists and science communicators who served as its past presidents. Among them was the distinguished physicist B. M. Udgaonkar, whose leadership strengthened the intellectual foundations of the organisation and reinforced its commitment to high-quality science communication. Under his guidance, the Parishad expanded its outreach and enhanced the credibility of science communication efforts in Marathi.


Towering Figures

Another towering figure was the internationally acclaimed astrophysicist Jayant V. Narlikar. Known for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity and enthusiasm, Dr. Narlikar strongly supported the Parishad’s mission of bringing science closer to the public. His involvement helped inspire countless young students to develop an interest in astronomy and fundamental science.


The Parishad also benefited from the leadership of renowned space scientist Vasant R. Gowarikar, who was a former scientific adviser to the Government of India. His association reflected the close relationship between science communication and national scientific development. Dr. Gowarikar consistently emphasised the importance of educating society about science and technology so that citizens could appreciate the role of scientific research in national progress.


Another respected leader who contributed to the MVP’s growth was Prabhakar Deodhar, who devoted significant effort to strengthening the organisation’s outreach programmes and public engagement activities.


One of the Parishad’s most important contributions has been its dedication to science communication in Marathi. By publishing books, magazines, and educational material in the regional language, the organisation has helped bridge the gap between complex scientific knowledge and public understanding. For thousands of readers and students, these publications have served as an entry point into the fascinating world of science.


The Parishad has also organised numerous science exhibitions, public lectures, science fairs, and workshops, bringing science into schools, colleges, and communities across Maharashtra. These initiatives encourage curiosity, questioning, and experimentation, helping young minds develop a scientific outlook.


Under its current president, J. B. Joshi, a chemical engineer and academic, the organisation is seeking a brisker stride. His focus is on modernising science communication for a more technological age by blending traditional outreach with digital learning, interdisciplinary inquiry and wider public engagement. The aim is to reach younger audiences, foster innovation and deepen ties with academia and industry. At heart lies the simple proposition that scientific knowledge should be widely shared, sharpen critical thought and develop respect for evidence.


The MVP’s Diamond Jubilee on April 24 represented not merely the passage of time but six decades of sustained dedication to science education and public engagement. In a world increasingly shaped by scientific and technological change, the role of science communication organisations becomes even more vital.


By continuing to promote scientific temper, rational thinking, and public understanding of science, the MVP has remained true to its founding ideals. As it enters its seventh decade, it stands as a beacon for those who believe that science, when shared widely and understood deeply, has the power to transform society and shape a brighter future for generations to come.


(The writer is Chief Executive of National Centre for Science Communicators, Mumbai. Views personal.)

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