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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

NDA power matrix reshaped after success

AI generated image Mumbai: A quiet coup in the state has triggered a loud shift in the power dynamics of the nation’s capital. By engineering the defection of six additional MPs, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has nearly doubled his parliamentary muscle, transforming his Shiv Sena faction from a junior regional partner into an indispensable pillar of the NDA. Now sitting on a commanding 13 seats, Shinde has dramatically increased his political leverage—leaving a cautious BJP to weigh the...

NDA power matrix reshaped after success

AI generated image Mumbai: A quiet coup in the state has triggered a loud shift in the power dynamics of the nation’s capital. By engineering the defection of six additional MPs, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has nearly doubled his parliamentary muscle, transforming his Shiv Sena faction from a junior regional partner into an indispensable pillar of the NDA. Now sitting on a commanding 13 seats, Shinde has dramatically increased his political leverage—leaving a cautious BJP to weigh the cost of an emboldened ally demanding a bigger slice of the pie in both the Union and state cabinets. In a masterstroke of political engineering that has profoundly jolted political landscape, Shinde has once again demonstrated his formidable capacity for disruption. The rebellion of six out of nine Lok Sabha Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), ostensibly joining Shinde’s ranks under the banner of “Operation Tiger,” is not merely a regional skirmish. It is a calculated power play that reverberates through the highest corridors of power in New Delhi. By nearly doubling his party’s strength in the lower house from seven to thirteen MPs, Shinde has dramatically altered his own political trajectory, elevating his faction from a helpful regional ally to an indispensable pillar of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Shinde’s Stature The immediate consequence of this crossover is a massive surge in Shinde’s stature within the NDA hierarchy. With thirteen parliamentarians, his Shiv Sena is now poised to become the fourth-largest bloc in the ruling national coalition, sitting just behind the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Telugu Desam Party, and the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India. This numerical leap is of immense strategic value to the BJP-led central government. In a parliamentary environment where the ruling coalition possesses only a modest majority, every single seat counts. The central leadership is acutely aware of upcoming legislative hurdles, particularly ambitious constitutional amendments like the proposed delimitation bill, which will require a formidable two-thirds majority. By acting as the architect of this crucial numerical boost, Shinde has cemented his reputation as a reliable and highly effective operator for the NDA, significantly increasing his bargaining power and political leverage. National Relief For the BJP, this development evokes a complex mixture of profound national relief and acute regional anxiety. From the vantage point of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s successful poaching operation is a clear windfall. It simultaneously fortifies the NDA’s numerical strength in New Delhi while severely crippling a vocal opposition force in Maharashtra. The central BJP leadership views Shinde as a vital asset capable of bridging the gap between their current numbers and the overwhelming mandates of the past. However, the perspective from the Maharashtra BJP headquarters is noticeably more apprehensive. State BJP leaders openly acknowledge Shinde’s soaring political equity, but they are increasingly wary of his expanding ambitions. They recognize that an emboldened Shinde, eager to fill the political vacuum left by Uddhav Thackeray and a fragmented Nationalist Congress Party, will aggressively attempt to expand his footprint across the state, potentially encroaching upon the BJP’s own traditional support bases. Power Sharing This dramatically enhanced political heft immediately raises pressing questions regarding power-sharing arrangements, both at the Centre and in the state. Armed with thirteen MPs, Shinde’s camp is undoubtedly preparing to seek greater political rewards. In the Union Cabinet, his demand for an additional, high-profile ministerial berth is now backed by solid arithmetic. Given his heightened utility to the national coalition, the BJP high command is highly likely to accommodate this request during the next cabinet reshuffle. However, the power struggle within the Maharashtra state cabinet promises to be far more contentious. Shinde, who had to settle for the Deputy Chief Ministership behind Devendra Fadnavis following the last assembly elections, may now feel emboldened to petition the BJP leadership for the top job. The BJP’s state unit is actively preparing to fiercely resist any such demand. Senior BJP leaders are quick to emphasize that despite his parliamentary gains, Shinde’s legislative strength in the state assembly hovers around 57 MLAs, dwarfed by the BJP’s commanding 132 legislators. Consequently, conceding the Chief Minister’s chair remains highly improbable. Instead, the BJP will be forced into a delicate balancing act, likely appeasing Shinde by granting his faction a larger share of influential, heavyweight portfolios within the state government to keep the alliance stable. Ultimately, through sheer political audacity, Eknath Shinde has ensured that neither New Delhi nor Mumbai can afford to govern without catering to his increasingly formidable political weight.

Women, Wellness and the Power of Yoga

Beyond celebration, Women’s Day is a reminder that women’s empowerment begins with health, balance, and well-being.

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day—a day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women. However, the true significance of this day goes beyond celebration. It serves as an important reminder to focus on women’s health, well-being, independence, and empowerment.


In today’s fast-paced world, women successfully balance multiple roles—as professionals, carers, homemakers, and contributors to society. While managing these responsibilities with dedication, many women tend to overlook their own health. In such circumstances, yoga offers a simple, natural, and highly effective way to restore balance between the body and the mind.


Yoga holds special significance for women because their bodies undergo various physiological and hormonal changes throughout life. These changes can influence both physical and emotional well-being. A regular yoga practice helps improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and maintain overall balance within the body. For example, Bhujangasana helps strengthen the spine and improve posture, while Baddha Konasana is known to support pelvic health and enhance flexibility in the hip region. Such practices help women build strength and resilience in a natural and holistic way.


Yoga also plays an important role during different stages of a woman’s life. During adolescence, when the body undergoes rapid changes, yoga helps improve posture, coordination, and self-confidence. For working women, yoga becomes an effective tool for managing stress and maintaining physical health. In modern work environments, many women spend long hours sitting in front of computers, which often leads to neck pain, back pain, and fatigue. In such cases, practices like Balasana and Setu Bandhasana can help relieve tension in the body and provide relaxation. Under proper guidance, yoga can also be beneficial during phases such as pregnancy and menopause, helping women adapt to physical and emotional changes more comfortably.


Another important aspect of women’s well-being is mental health. Balancing responsibilities at home, work, and within society can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Yoga places special emphasis on breath awareness and mindfulness. Practices such as pranayama and meditation help calm the mind, improve concentration, and promote emotional balance. Regular breathing practices increase oxygen supply to the body and brain, which enhances clarity, relaxation, and inner stability.


Yoga’s Relevance

In today’s modern lifestyle, the relevance of yoga has become even more significant. Increasing stress levels, irregular routines, limited physical activity, and excessive screen time can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Yoga, therefore, is not merely a form of exercise but a comprehensive lifestyle approach. Through consistent practice, yoga nurtures physical strength, mental peace, and a positive outlook toward life.


When we talk about women’s empowerment, it must begin with women’s health and well-being. A healthy, confident, and emotionally balanced woman can create positive change within her family and community. Yoga empowers women not only by strengthening the body but also by cultivating inner resilience, self-awareness, and confidence. In this sense, yoga becomes a powerful tool for the holistic development of women. Regular practice of yoga and breathing techniques offers numerous health benefits. It improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and enhances sleep quality.


Therefore, on this International Women’s Day, let us take a meaningful step toward prioritising our health. Let us make a simple yet powerful resolution—to begin a regular practice of yoga and pranayama from today. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to caring for our body and mind can lay the foundation for a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life.


Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a bridge that connects the body, mind, and inner self. When women embrace yoga as part of their daily lives, they not only nurture their own well-being but also contribute to building healthier families and stronger communities.


A healthy woman builds a healthy family, and healthy families together create a healthier society. On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, may yoga become an integral part of every woman’s life, empowering her to live with strength, balance, and harmony.


(The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune.)

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