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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

The fire fighter!

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Vinod Tawde

BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, who had always been known as the ‘fire fighter’ since his days as organization secretary in the ABVP, has successfully mediated and persuaded several rebels to withdraw their nominations against the BJP or Mahayuti nominees.


Tawde’s organizational as well as enterprising abilities have received praise even from his political opponents. The then DCM Ajit Pawar’s welcome speech in the legislature when Tawde became the leader of opposition in 2011 was full of praise for all such qualities of Tawde.


Born on July 20, 1963, Tawde completed his secondary education at St. Anthonia High School, Santacruz, and his higher secondary education at Parle College, Vile Parle in Mumbai and then pursued a vocational course from Dnyaneshwar Vidyapeeth in Pune while he was an ABVP activist. His impeccable organizational skills saw him quickly rise through the ranks to become the Secretary-General of ABVP in 1988 and later the National Secretary in 1993.


In 1995, Tawde was appointed as the General Secretary of the BJP’s Maharashtra unit, a position he held until 1999 and again from 2002 to 2011. In 1999, he became the President of the Mumbai City Unit of the BJP, making him the youngest person to hold this position.


Tawde served in various legislative capacities. He was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 2008 to 2014 and served as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, he was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Borivali constituency.


He also held several key ministerial positions in the Maharashtra government between 2014 and 2019, including the Minister for School Education, Higher and Technical Education, Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development, and Marathi Language and Culture. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve the education system and promote Marathi culture.


He is married to Varsha Pawar Tawde, a social worker and writer. The couple has a daughter named Anvee Tawde. Tawde’s family has a strong connection to the RSS, with his father, Shreedhar Ramchandra Tawde, being a member of the organization.


Since November 2021, Tawde is serving the party as the National General Secretary, a testament to his enduring influence and leadership within the party.


Vinod Tawde’s journey from a student activist to a senior leader in one of India’s major political parties highlights his dedication and resilience. His contributions to education and cultural affairs in Maharashtra have left a lasting impact, and his role in the BJP continues to shape the political landscape of India.

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