- The Indian political system is imbued with different layers in how these parties are positioned, making for a fascinating read that is not easily comprehensible for ordinary citizens. As you are aware, the Indian political firmament is always endowed with the labyrinthine caste equations playing a major role. The ideologies/philosophies of any political party are largely built on caste conundrums that are not easily decipherable. Yes, national political parties and equally strong regional parties make up for the Indian democratic setup. Those familiar with the political churning in the country would also know how society is polarized on the back of the communal versus secular narrative that has been deeply entrenched since independence.
PC: NDTV
- As the popular saying goes, there are no permanent enemies or foes in the political field has been proven time and again. The country is witnessing several prominent political leaders cutting across affiliations, switching parties when it suits them. Of course, parochial considerations always take precedence over everything else. Indian political history is replete with several instances when leaders of repute have jumped ship in search of greener pastures. One such potential alliance may take shape in Maharashtra in the coming days as reports of Thackerays making attempts at the resurrection of subnational politics. It’s not unusual to mention that watching Mumbai politics is like watching a wildlife documentary. So much has happened over the last two years or so there.
PC: The Financial Express
- As reported extensively in recent times, the feverish speculation of Thackeray cousin’s patch-up that could spell an imagined revival of an undivided Sena for the good of Maharashtra has the political jungle’s creatures all perked up, sniffing the air, ears alert, and eyed wide open. For the uninitiated, Uddhav inheriting Shiv Sena led to cousin, anti-migrant hardliner Raj, exiting from the party, now electorally wiped out, although MNS cadre has a value in creating ruckus. Notably, Uddhav lost the original Sena to Eknath Shinde and moved across the political divide to the relatively progressive secular side. As we know, that didn’t pay off electorally. And Uddhav’s attempts at resurrecting more inclusive politics haven’t seen much traction either.
PC: NDTV
- Meanwhile, Shinde, who engineered a coup, whisked off partymen and workers, managed to become CM, and held his ground through the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, was stunned by BMP’s enormous win in last year’s assembly elections, killing his dreams of returning as an elected CM, making do with a deputy CMship. Now, the prospect of the Thackerays coming together has Shinde worried. Mind you, the BJP with its nationalist Hindutva is on terra mega firma. MNS’s extreme position and Uddhav’s flirting with centrist politics will need a meeting ground that can recapture the Marathi First political sentiment, a regional Hindutva. Mumbai’s municipal polls will be the test for any attempt at pulling together a new politics. Interesting times ahead in Maharashtra.
