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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Unshackled yet Vulnerable

Eknath Shinde’s high stakes pivot in the post-Ajit era Mumbai: The swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister has optically restored the Mahayuti’s "tripod" structure, but for Eknath Shinde and his Shiv Sena faction, the ground reality has shifted seismically. The sudden exit of Ajit Pawar—often seen as the "counterweight" in the alliance—has fundamentally rewritten Shinde’s survival equation. For the last two years, Shinde operated in a high-pressure "sandwich" between Devendra...

Unshackled yet Vulnerable

Eknath Shinde’s high stakes pivot in the post-Ajit era Mumbai: The swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister has optically restored the Mahayuti’s "tripod" structure, but for Eknath Shinde and his Shiv Sena faction, the ground reality has shifted seismically. The sudden exit of Ajit Pawar—often seen as the "counterweight" in the alliance—has fundamentally rewritten Shinde’s survival equation. For the last two years, Shinde operated in a high-pressure "sandwich" between Devendra Fadnavis’s strategic command and Ajit Pawar’s administrative dominance. With the latter gone, Shinde is no longer just the "other" Deputy CM; he is now the operational anchor of the government, a shift that brings both immense opportunity and existential risk. Sunetra Pawar’s sudden elevation as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister after Ajit Pawar’s tragic death has also unsettled other Shiv Sena leaders, who publicly welcomed the move but privately expressed surprise and concern. The development reshapes the Mahayuti alliance, with Eknath Shinde caught between asserting his mass appeal and managing BJP’s growing dominance. Third Wheel Until last week, Eknath Shinde often found his administrative influence curtailed by Ajit Pawar’s aggressive style. Ajit "Dada" controlled the bureaucracy and the purse strings, often leaving Shinde’s MLAs complaining about stalled files and delayed funds. How the new reality would unfold is not yet clear. With Sunetra Pawar being a political novice inducted primarily for "sympathy" and "legacy" management, Shinde is now the sole experienced administrator alongside Fadnavis. The "administrative friction" that plagued Shinde’s faction is gone. In cabinet meetings and operational governance, Shinde’s voice will likely carry significantly more weight, as he is no longer competing for airtime with a heavyweight like Ajit Pawar. Finance Dilemma The decision by Chief Minister Fadnavis to retain the Finance and Planning portfolio—rather than handing it to Sunetra Pawar—is the single most critical development for the Shiv Sena. The good news is that Shinde’s MLAs will no longer have to beg an NCP Finance Minister for development funds—a major grievance that had threatened internal revolts in the Sena camp. However, it can also turn out to be the bad news, since financial power will be completely centralized within the BJP now. Previously, Shinde could subtly play the BJP and NCP against each other to extract resources. Now, he faces a monolithic BJP command center. If Fadnavis tightens the purse strings, Shinde has no "second door" to knock on. The BMC Bargaining Chip The immediate effects of Shinde’s new fears were seen in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other Municipal Corporations in the MMR, where insteady of bargaining for a larger share of power, the Shiv Sena under Shinde appeared to be content with whatever it got from the BJP and quietly accepting it. This was very unlikely of their track record till now and contrary to the party insiders who were very aggressive till last week sending out signals that Shinde would bargain strongly for the demands like Mayoral post in Mumbai to assert the ‘rights of Marathi Manoos’.

The Power of Self-Reliance

The most reliable support system we will ever have is ourselves.

There comes a quiet moment in life—sometimes early, sometimes much later—when one realises a simple but profound truth: the most reliable support system we will ever have is ourselves. People may walk beside us for a while, circumstances may be favourable for a season, and external help may arrive when we least expect it—but none of these are permanent. What remains constant, through every phase of life, is our own mind, our own attitude, and our own ability to respond.


Self-reliance is not about isolation or ego. It is about inner preparedness. It is the ability to stand firm when support is absent, to think clearly when confusion surrounds us, and to move forward even when the path is uncertain. At any age, in any situation, dependency on oneself is far more empowering than dependency on anyone else.


Depending excessively on others—emotionally, financially, mentally, or practically—often gives a false sense of security. People change. Priorities shift. Health fluctuates. Situations evolve. Someone who is available today may not be available tomorrow, not out of intention, but due to life’s unpredictability.


When our happiness, confidence, or survival depends entirely on others, we unknowingly hand over control of our lives. This creates fear—fear of loss, fear of abandonment, and fear of failure. Over time, it weakens decision-making and reduces resilience.


Self-reliance, on the other hand, creates emotional stability. It allows us to face change without panic, disappointment without collapse, and uncertainty without paralysis.


True independence does not begin with money or skills—it begins in the mind. Training the mind to be self-reliant means cultivating:

• Confidence in one’s ability to learn

• Trust in one’s judgement

• Emotional regulation during stress

• Willingness to take responsibility for outcomes


A self-reliant mind does not wait for rescue. It asks, “What can I do with what I have right now?” This mindset transforms problems into challenges and fear into preparation.


Mental self-reliance also means accepting that mistakes are part of growth. Instead of blaming circumstances or people, a self-reliant person reflects, adapts, and improves. Over time, this builds quiet strength and inner maturity.


Emotional Self-Reliance

One of the most powerful forms of self-reliance is emotional independence. This does not mean avoiding relationships or emotions—it means not collapsing when emotions fluctuate.


When we train ourselves to manage disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or uncertainty, we stop seeking constant validation from others. We learn to soothe ourselves, motivate ourselves, and reassure ourselves.


This inner stability allows relationships to be healthier. When we are emotionally self-reliant, we choose relationships out of connection, not need; out of love, not fear. Such relationships are stronger, more balanced, and more respectful.


Practical Self-Reliance

Life does not always give warnings. Health issues, financial shifts, family responsibilities, or unexpected changes can arrive without notice. Self-reliance equips us to handle these realities practically and systematically. This includes:

• Learning basic life skills

• Managing finances wisely

• Being adaptable to change

• Continuously upgrading knowledge and skills


Preparation does not create anxiety—it creates confidence. When we prepare ourselves to handle multiple scenarios, life feels less overwhelming. Decisions become clearer. Actions become more deliberate. The mind responds naturally instead of reactively.


Self-Reliance at Every Age

Self-reliance is not age-specific. It evolves with time. In youth, it builds confidence and courage. In adulthood, it creates stability and leadership. In later years, it preserves dignity and independence.


At every stage, the goal is not to reject help but to never be helpless. Even when assistance is available, a self-reliant person knows how to stand independently if needed.


The beauty of training oneself to be self-reliant is that, over time, it becomes natural and organic. Decision-making sharpens. Emotional responses mature. Preparedness becomes instinctive. Life no longer feels chaotic—it feels navigable.


Challenges still arise, but they no longer intimidate. The mind learns to pause, assess, and act. This inner discipline creates calm confidence and a sense of quiet power.


Self-Reliance Is Freedom

Ultimately, self-reliance is freedom—the freedom to live without constant fear, the freedom to choose rather than depend, and the freedom to stand strong even when alone. It does not mean we stop trusting others; it means we trust ourselves first.


When you rely on yourself, you become your own anchor. And when you are anchored within, no storm can uproot you completely.


At any age, in any situation, learning to depend on oneself is not just wise—it is life’s greatest preparation.

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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