Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray was among the few who was confident of a fourth successive victory in the Mumbai civic polls. While the Sena's tally reduced by nine, unexpectedly its chief ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), fared better. Having lost badly in the 2009 Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the Sena was determined not to give up power in its last bastion. Its extensive cadres, women candidates and the appeal of Bal Thackeray delivered the goods once again. Yet the results must worry the Sena. Its main rival, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), managed to win 28 seats in Mumbai, some in key Sena strongholds. The Sena's tally of 75 is lower than the last few elections and it has lost ground steadily over the years. The BJP is concerned about this not only in Mumbai but in other parts of the State, in Pune and Nashik too, where the MNS has made substantial inroads with a total of 112 seats in 10 corporations, roughly half that of the Sena. The saffron combine's task was made easier by the disarray in the Congress party in the city. Its alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to unite the “secular vote” did not help as the Samajwadi Party drew away a sizable section of Muslim voters. In addition, the Congress-NCP badly missed its long-time ally, Ramdas Athavale of the Republican Party of India (RPI), who sided with the saffron parties. The Congress cut a sorry figure in the city and the constant mudslinging with the NCP robbed both of any glory or dignity. The alliance was based on past calculations which did not work.
The MNS not only cut into Sena votes but also that of the Congress and the NCP. Raj Thackeray had two road shows and one public meeting. He did not promise much and in lieu of a manifesto, there was an advertisement a day before the polls. The anti- North Indian rhetoric was not much in evidence from either Uddhav or Raj. While the race for supremacy between the Thackeray cousins is here to stay, what does a fourth term for the Shiv Sena hold for Mumbaikars? After 16 years of Sena rule, the city resembles the worst type of urban sprawl with pathetic living conditions. A glossy booklet of claims notwithstanding, can the saffron combine do something to uplift the life of people or will it be another saga of corruption and potholes? Mumbai needs planning, organisation and governance, not dug up roads, overflowing garbage and chaos. The Sena must seek pride in the running of a streamlined city and not just in the beautiful swimming pools or parks that it has built. The task before the corporation is enormous but not impossible. As one of the richest corporations in India, it has the funds. What it has lacked, alas, is the will.
Keywords: Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray, Mumbai civic polls, MNS, BJP, Congress, NCP
This win badly wanted for Sena to retains its supremacy in richest corporate of the country. Since both Sena and BJP lost to Congress and NCP combine for the third consecutive since they started their ruling state. This victory could not be billed it as it increased and performed well in forthcoming election as alterative to the present coalition. Both Sena and BJP parties need to review gross root level structure before approach assembly election has have enough time to strengthen the party in order to prepare itself for forthcoming assembly election. Both parties chief represents state and party performance is pathetic and since present coalition ruling their numbers declining and never shown the confidence of climbing. Should work positively imbibing this victory to grab more MP’s in 2014 election or it may happenes earlier.
Indeed a very good article highlighting the need of development of mumbai rather than indulging in mindless mudslinging of north indian people. The sena along with its ally bjp should stress on development after taking charge of the corporation which boasts to be the richest in india
Lets say there are 10 friends, 4 of them want to go to Movie 1, 3 for Movie 2 and the remaining 3 for Movie 3. Is there is concensus? Is there a clear majority? NO. Our first-past-the-post electoral system presents the same problem. Unlike in the "friends, movie" analogy where in reality all would settle for a neutral or negotiated entertainment, our electoral system declares the dominant minority as the winner. This is weakening the vitals of our democracy. Our electoral system needs a complete overhaul with the objective of reflecting a CLEAR majority. This approach will also help political parties and force them to adopt and execute wholesome manifestoes.
Yes, much is needed to be done to improve civic facilities in Mumbai. But the issue in this election went much beyond that. Why does the Marathi manoos in Mumbai consistently vote for Shivsena (or MNS)? The main reason is that it gives him a sense of security. Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, is also the capital of state of Maharashtra and has lost over the decades it's identity as a Marathi speaking city. The Marathi Manoos is somehow clinging to this (false?)comfort of protecting his identity, by voting for Shivsena, inspite of poor state of civic infrastructure in the city. Moreover, the BMC alone cannot be blamed for this state of affairs. Development of Mumbai is carried out by multiple agencies whose control is vested with the state government. Lack of coordination between the BMC and these agencies is also one of reasons for the poor civic administration of the city.
Lifting the life of the poor in the richest Corporation a task not being impossible the Sena-BJP combine should not fritter away the mandate "once again" and get down into constructive performance.There is no guarantee that the winning spree will keep repeating as dejection of voters is bound to stare them in the face before long
Contrary to the common perception, BMC (Mumbai Municipal Corp) has a very little power over the affairs of the City. Municipal commissioner appointed by the state govt. holds most of the powers. So the main onus for the condition of the city lies with the state govt. (rules by Congress/NCP).
Give us right of anonymity while using 49-O rule and give us right to recall. How can it be fair when you are asked to chose btween fascist and castists? And if you say you wont chose both, you need to register your Name with authority, making yourself vulnerable to harrasment! What a mockery of democracy is this!
You blame Mumbaikars not turning up for voting, believe me that they are in fact rejecting all candidates by doing so.
When there was ballot paper, people used to tamper with it to register, though indirectly, their right to vote for none. With EVM machines, govt has eliminated this just option as well. People were not dumb to tamper with ballot, most of them were using 49-O right, indirectly.
Ask the govt to introduce "None of The Above Option" and Mumbai will record highest turn out, I bet!
Mumbaikars not showing up to vote was a bit surprising... Either it shows their satisfaction with the present state of affairs or their total lack of trust and faith in present functioning of the system, and it is not difficult to guess which option is more legible!! I think people have to come out and vote no matter how much they detest poltics and politicians. Ostrich approach is no answer of any problem! Wasting the franchise by not casting their vote is unpardonable.. We must remember what Keneddy had said-
"The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all".
By not casting a vote we prove Oscar wilde right who said -"Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people".
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