MahaYuti ki DokeyDukhee

    The biggest talking point before any election is not the wrong doings of the previous government or vision document of different political outfits for the upcoming elections. But who is In the alliance, who is walking out. And who gets how many seats.

    MahaYuti in Maharashtra is no exception to these problems. It consists of a national party BJP, state party Shiv Sena, and four small outfits including the Ramdas Athavale led Republican Party of India ( A), Raju Shetty led Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, Vinayak Mete led Shiv Sangram Paksha & Mahadev Jankar led Rashtriya Samaj Paksha.

    Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is the currently the oldest and long standing alliance. It started taking roots in 1984-85. However it gained ground in 1989. Late Shiv Sena Pramukh Balasaheb Thackeray and Late BJP strong man Pramod Mahajan were the architects of this alliance. The formula for seat sharing which devised then was that BJP will play a major role in national politics & Shiv Sena will have major say in state politics. On the common agenda of Hindutva they have been the part of NDA since it's formation. Even when Atal Bihari Vajpayee were the Prime Minister of the country of the BJP led NDA in 1999 still Shiv Sena was leading the state politics in the Shiv Sena-BJP Yuti.

    In 2012, RPI(A) joined the Yuti with the efforts of Balasaheb Thackeray, the Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti Combine, and it was renamed as MahaYuti. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha election three more parties joined the fold increasing the voter base of which allowed them the to win 42 of the possible 48 seats in Maharashtra.

    Now as the Vidhan Sabha polls are slated for October, everyone is trying to get a lions share in the 288 assembly seats. Cold vibes started when Shiv Sena started it's campaign to increase the party base further incase they have to go solo while BJP workers demanded equal number of seats rather than the old formula of 171SS : 117BJP formed by Balasaheb Thackeray & Pramod Mahajan during the formation of the alliance in the 90s.

    BJP workers saying lot of politics has changed since the 90s isn't completely wrong. After the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1984, it's the first time in 30years that a single party has got a full majority in Lok Sabha. The Modi wave has swept 282 seats for BJP while 336 seats for the NDA. And hence they are confident that the same Modi wave will help the BJP to sweep the upcoming state polls. Plus with the old formula BJP never gets a chance to stake claim for CM post. Stats reveal that Sena won 62/163 seats in 2004 while BJP won 56/111. Similar upper hand was seen in 2009 where Sena won 47/171 seats and BJP won 49/117 thus getting the post of Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha. In the recent Lok Sabha, BJP just lost one seat of the 24 it fought whereas Sena lost 4 of 22.

    Shiv Sena has not given any signal of fighting polls at par with the BJP. Sena Party Chief did say that the alliance was on that understanding and that Sena will lead in the State elections in case of seat sharing.

    Ramdas Athavale led RPI(A) has demanded atleast 30 seats while RSP, SSS & SSP has asked for a total of 100 seats. In it, the Mahadev Jankar led RSP itseld has asked for 59 seats who himself stood against Supriya Sule from Baramati constituency in the Lok Sabha polls.

    The important thing to be noted for BJP workers here is even though the party has won majority seats in the state because of the country wide Narendra Modi wave but it wouldn't have been possible without the Dalit community represented by RPI, the Maratha community represented by SSP, farmers led SSS & Dhangar community led by RSP voting in their favour as part of MahaYuti.

    So it is essential to look into the concerns of all stake holders and come to a consensus rather than firing arrows in the air. BJP President Amit Shah as well as PM Narendra Modi has told state BJP leaders that election will fought together and not separately. This was also confirmed in the first meeting of the Shiv Sena and BJP related to seat sharing.

    With the Model Code of Conduct to be deployed in appox.20 days, the ruling Democratic Front has already starting it's media campaigns. Also, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is coming out with it's much awaited Blue Print for the development of the state. So it's time for MahaYuti to buckle up & keep personal gains aside and enter the battleground together.


SR.

Saheb's Birthday Bash

    In the present scenario, "Old is Gold'' proverb looks only good on paper. In practical life old is taken for granted and new is given the royal treatment. It also applies with our old friends. Bringing all your old buddies under one roof is categorised as a huge achievement. As it turns out to be bloody difficult. You can't reach a consensus with all. Some one or the other surely misses the bus. It's not fair enough to blame someone for not coming as everyone has their own problems or personal obligation's whose gravity we might never know.  So the organizer should always gulp the disappointment pill ASAP and get back to normalcy.

    I face this situation almost everytime. Being the only party who co-ordinates with everyone while arranging a get together, most of the times I face setbacks. I have seen lately that people aint just interested in them. I never see the enthusiasm, the excitement which I feel about meeting everyone. It's not necessary everyone should feel the same way. We talk about being in touch and sending a not-so-interesting-forwaded-message is definition of being in touch. So as the rains started pouring for 2014, our traditional Bhivpuri Road picnic talks started making the rounds, or should I say I initiated them. And like everytime, after informing 18 people. With 11 responding positive a week before. The figure turned out to 4, few hours before our departure. Not before I had packed my bag, charged the camera and was evaluating options for what should I carry for the lunch. So this disappointment forced to submit resignation to myself for not arranging any more get together.

     Two days after that, Vinay's would be calls me up and asks for arranging a surprise party of him on his birthday. I wasn't out of the earlier dissapointment and here I have arrange another one. Well, I couldn't deny as that was the first time we spoke. I said I'll try my best.

    It was like coming back to square one, starting the process all over again. Total 6 people had to be informed. Call everyone to tell them about the program. With those usual words, Be free on that day, Mark your date, Please don't cancel etc etc. This work was done some 20 days before the event.

    There wasn't much talks in between and all the movement started a day before the event. We had to first finalize a location. Now the protagonist was working in Andheri and was scheduled to leave at 2pm. I was told that Rohan & Vinay both were working. And that Rohan was going to reach Thane station by around 6pm. Now protagonist was fine with Thane, Vinay & Rohan being in Airoli and Vashi were in a convenient position for Thane. Me Shweta & Shivraj also had no issues. While Pravin was not coming. So on majority basis I couldn't take the venue to Western suburbs as that would have been easier for Vaishu to give a visit.

    But facts changed on the day of the event. Rohan & Vinay both took leave. Now the majority could shift for any place in Western suburbs as Vinay was supposed to meet the protagonist at Santa Cruz. But before I could initiate the codes for change in location, Vaishu called up and said that she is coming to Thane and will be making it to the event. So now there wasn't any change necessary & Thane Viviana Mall was finalised. We were suppose to reach at 6pm.

    At 4pm on the day, Vaishu informed that she wont  be coming because of some family commitments while Shivraj said he is working. Now the final count was 3. I asked Rohan about how will he be traveling to which he replied going directly by rick. So I called up Shweta and decided to meet around 5-530pm at Rmall.

    I left as per the schedule. While in transit I got a message from Shweta that she will be reaching the venue directly by 7pm. Now that was weird situation for me. I left home on time so we could meet as per decided. And now I was sitting alone at the bus stop of Teen Haath Naka. Time was 520pm.

    As Shweta was not coming so I decided to reach out to Rohan as I cant go alone, that wont be any surprise. Now to add to the misery, Rohan was not responding to my call. I was completely perplexed at that moment. Many thought juggled in my head at a time. Is Rohan not going to come? What if Shweta is not able to makeup? How will the protagonist feel of the must awaited day being spoiled?

    The mind sees what it chooses to see. So I decided to distract myself. Overhearing conversations, watching the passing by traffic. reading bill boards almost anything to keep my mind busy. And out of the blue moon Rohan called up at 545 saying I am on my way, and where should I pick you up.

    That was indeed a huge sigh of relief. We both reached the venue at 610pm only to realise another surprise was their for our waiting. The protagonist phone was switched off.

    Now What? I mean are we going to call up Vinay and ask where are you dude? We have come to surprise you? After all the efforts, if this is the end then everything will go in vain. So we settled ourselves for some seconds & decided to take a try and search them in this vast ocean. It was same like searching a pin in grass.

    The usual suspects. We started with the food court. Assuming they might be sitting for some snacks after a long afternoon. Well, it was not possible for just the two of us but that's all we could do. So we just started making the rounds. Rohan was saying, Dont stare, we might have to face the public's wrath. Then suddenly I got a call from an unknown number. Thank God, it was the protagonist. They both were on the ground floor near Shoppers Stop. So me and Rohan started our downward journey. When we were on the ground floor, Rohan said, "No, we gotta go further down. This isn't the ground floor". I saw some people roaming their and assumed he might be correct and took those steps only to find us reach the Basement.

    Vinay was getting impatient. He was out of his house since morning. Getting bored on the birthday, he was telling the protagonist to go home so that he can come and meet me at my place. Now his impatience was making the protagonist lose patience as they both were sitting on the same place since 515pm. And there was nothing that the protagonist could ask to stay for some more time. So finally the protagonist took Vinay's phone, on the pretext of calling some friend, and gave a call to me.

    I was already cursing Rohan for bringing us down at the basement. While going towards the escalator to go up I got a call from Vinay's phone. I was completely confused. I told Rohan, what should we do now? He says in jokingly, "Ask him where he is, we are coming to surprise you". We laughed it off but ignored that call. In that process we reached the escalator which will take us back to ground floor.

    While coming up I again got a call from Vinay's number. Now, I just gave a thought that this might be the protagonist as Vinay doesn't calls back to back. So gambled and I attended the call. Was relived when it was not Vinay on the other side. The protagonist gave us the exact location and fortunately we were also coming in the same direction. She was saying, "Look straight ahead". But I couldn't see as there was a huge crowd being the entrance of the mall. After going few steps ahead, I finally saw them. Vinay was facing the opposite direction and we both suddenly came and stood before him.

    Finally, the surprise was complete. And the efforts didn't go in vain. Vinay was indeed very much happy to see us. Shweta joined us by 7pm & he we some food and donuts.

    It's a different feeling you get when you do something for others. Making them know that your are the special ones. I guess I was just happy to be a small reason to bring smile on the brithday boy's face.

Happy Birthday Vinay
Ps: Vaishu & Pravin, I missed you both.


SR.

Bharat votes against Israel in UNHRC

    Few days ago I wrote about the tough stand taken by MEA Sushma Swaraj on the resolution being forced by the opposition in the Rajya Sabha over Israel-Gaza conflict. She had rejected the proposal saying there is no change in policy towards Palestine and that Bharat will not take side of any country in the ongoing conflict. She also urged the house to send a strong message that violence in any form is condemnable.

    Within two days, Bharat voted against Israel in the a resolution moved by Pakistan, Egypt & Palestine in the UNHRC. The resolution which was adopted by a vote of 29 States in favour, 1 against and 17 abstentions, strongly condemns the failure of Israel, as the occupying Power, to end its prolonged occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; and condemns in the strongest terms of the gross violations of international human rights arising from the Israeli military operations carried out since June 2014.

    BRICS nations voted in favour of the resolution whereas USA lone country rejected the resolution. Among the 17 countries which abstained were also states from EU & Africa.

    This sudden change of minds did create a furore in social media where the pro-BJP supporters expressed their disappointment of voting against an ally who always supports our cause when it comes to Kashmir. (Israel had rejected to supply arms to Pakistan.)In addition, a jawaan was killed recently in Akhnoor district of Kashmir when the Indian Army foiled another infiltration bid across the LOC during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan.

    The Israeli PM has however rejected the resolution terming the investigation as a foregone conclusion by a Kangaroo court. It further said that the UNHRC calls for an investigation of Israel rather than investigating Hamas, which is committing a double war crime by firing rockets at Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians. So what can be the reasons which forced the government to change it's stand and vote in support of Palestine, after giving the impression that they are in a fix on the issue.

    This is, however, not the first time Bharat has voted against Israel. It has been the policy since the time PV Narsimharao. In the recent past we had voted against Israel in 2011 in the UN resolution for the military offensive in Gaza in 2008, even when the West was against it. So this stand should not come as a surprise as we are voting against the violence and expressing our concern, not against the state.

    The current situation which is escalating in Iraq, as the clout of ISIS increasing by the day, has left the lives of residing Indian nationals on knives edge. Government is trying by all means of diplomatic channels to bring back our citzens from the violence effected Iraq. So by going against the Arab nations would have serious repercussions on this process.

    Also with the current state of our economy, Bharat is heavily dependable on West Asia, mainly Iraq, Iran & Saudi Arabia for supply of crude oil & gas. Hence the government can't afford to displease them which can have huge impact on the import bill widening the CAD.

    With Jammu & Kashmir going to polls in the later part of the year, Bharat voting against Gaza will have led the opposition and media to brand BJP taking a communal stand which can have negative impact on the party's prospects in the valley.

    Though these reasons might act as sound defense for the change in stand, all that the government needed to show is decisiveness in its approach, which is why Manmohan led UPA was rejected by the people for a Modi led NDA. We don't need to vote in a particular manner just because IBSA or BRICS nation states are voting so. We should always stand by what is in the larger interest of the country and send out a message to the world that Bharat has nerve to speak on matter of truth.

SR.

The MNS-BJP Connection

    Only few day after the election campaign of LS elections ended in the summer of 2014 with Bhartiya Janata Party's sun rising. It's again back to square one for Maharashtra. The atmosphere for state polls was kicked off as early as 31st May when MNS Supremo Raj Thackeray declared in a massive rally in Mumbai that he will will be standing in the upcoming state elections and will lead, if the mandate is provided by voters.

    Lets journey a few months back in the MNS poll campaign. By March when all political parties were in the last stages, MNS was yet to start their political campaign. This was the result of a dilemma created by Mr. Nitin Gadkari who had proposed before the MNS Supremo, not to contest the LS polls. Being an 8year old independent political party this option was not feasible for MNS Supremo as it would have sent negative vibes to party's the ranks & file and also to their well wishers and followers. The decision will also prove to be vital for the party's prospects in Vidhan Sabha polls slated for October.

    BJP was completely aware of the impact of MNS in urban constituencies of Mumbai, Pune, Nashik belt. In 2009, NDA lost all six seats in Mumbai to the UPA as MNS had polled over lakh votes in all the seats. This divide strategy could have effected the massive BJP campaign lead by Mr. Narendra Modi and hence they were taking all possible steps to clear the hurdle. But for MNS, not contesting will mean the party is disinterested in active politics and hence the people may also not take them seriously in the state polls.

    MNS had already started moving its pieces for 2014 polls since its state wide tour in February-March 2013 in which the MNS Supremo had addressed rallies in six major cities. The party had also promised for a blue print for the development of state which is slated to be released in August 2014. Hence creating a negative image by not contesting will have proved very costly for the future of MNS.

    An alternative was necessary, such that it will not hurt the NDA campaign for Lok Sabha & MNS prospects for the Vidhan Sabha. Raj Thackeray was completely aware that victory for his candidates was not possible in the strong Modi wave. Hence he played a masterstroke. On the 8th Anniversary of the party, MNS Supremo declared that his party will contest the LS polls and the winning candidate will back Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country. In hindi there is a saying, 'Ek Teer se Do Nishan'.

    The direct message of this decision was that the party's image which was said to be Congress(B) was wiped out. People who vote for MNS were assured that they will be a part of the Modi Wave. And by contesting, he sent out a message to the people that MNS means business & it wont scumb to any pressure. However what was in between the line was actually the masterstroke.

    MNS Supremo further addressed around 35-40 rallies in the selected 10 constituencies. And in all his speeches he made a point to mention Mr. Narendra Modi's calibre to be a PM and praised the Gujarat Model of Development. It started coming out as an indirect message to the people to vote for NDA. As the normal voter must have thought if one wants to back Modi as the PM then why vote for MNS and risk the chances of NDA candidate, instead directly vote for them. His indirect appeal gained momentum when he rejected a proposal of NCP's Dhananjay Munde asking him to field a MNS candidate against Mr. Gopinath Munde. Instead he asked his party workers and people of Beed Constituency to vote for Mr. Gopinath Munde, BJP candidate. Even when the then BJP Chief & present Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh criticized MNS for using Modi's name in their campaign and disassociating them, Raj didn't dither from his stand. The end result of all this was NDA candidates won all the seats in which MNS contested, which was a reverse of 2009. Even state CM Mr. Prithiviraj Chavan accepted that MNS didn't proved beneficial to us(UPA).

    So now what's next? Doesn't BJP owes a Thank You to MNS for their support. Just incase the BJP wants to, how will it say so? MNS is not welcome the Mahayuti for it's differences with Shiv Sena leadership. Also their are already 4-5 parties in that alliance. Hence where will MNS stand in case of seat sharing. Raj's special friendship with Mr. Nitin Gadkari and his good rapport with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MNS can expect some perks in the state polls. But how this connection will unfold on time will reveal.

SR.

Bharat unchanged on Israel

    Recent LS elections result did bring a complete debacle for Congress(I) to such extent that they are getting desperate for almost anything and everything. Since the formation of new government they have been trying all (im)possible means to attain the LOP post in LS, though they still don't fulfill the requirement of 10% seats in LS.

    In the current session the opposition(Cong+Left) in Rajya Sabha are demanding to take sides in the ongoing crisis between Israel and Hamas. They are pressing for adoption of a resolution, demanding suspension of all military purchases from Israel and wanted India to raise the issue at the UN. Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said the House should not be divided but send out a joint message that wherever there is violence, it is condemnable and both Israel and Palestine should accept Egypt's offer of peace talks. BJD however stayed away from the protests. Minister also said that the Prime Minister has already given its reaction on the matter in the joint statement of BRICS attended by Mr. Narendra Modi in Brazilian city of Fortaleza.

    Still wonder when will these pseudo secular parties stop this appeasement. After all the appeasement tricks failed in the recent LS polls, now they are are interfering in global matters. Why was the UPA, backed by Left, silent when same killings (1400 Palestinians) were happening in 2008. That time they never spoke words of breaking ties with Israel or suspending business transactions.

    Since their defeat in the polls, many allies of UPA are parting ways just like rats jumping from the sinking ship. Recently the National Conference from J&K declared they will go solo in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha polls in the state. Even the NCP is pouncing on the opportunity by demanding more seats in the Maharashtra state polls. Many key leaders from Maharashtra, Haryana & J&K are also leaving the party adding more fuel to the fire.

    The party needs to do some serious introspection instead of these theatricality's, else the BJP motto of Congress Mukt Bharat will soon become a reality.

Narayan Rane Resigns from Ministry

    My first day here and big news in state political circles. Cabinet Minister of Congress(I)-NCP, Narayan Rane resigns from the ministry.

The impact of this decision in state politics, I'll discuss later. But this decision makes me nostalgic and takes me back to 2005 when Mr. Rane first resigned from Shiv Sena and joined Congress. I didn't followed politics too much back then. Mr. Rane had arranged a political meeting near our housing area. That was the first political speech I ever saw live. Many from our town were in his support, Rane Samarthak, as our area is popularly known as Mini Konkan. Though crowd support changed in the next few months when Mr.Raj Thackeray formed his own political outfit, MNS.

    Coming back in the present, the impact of this decision will be worth watching if Mr. Rane decides to quit the congress party. Lets analyse the options which are in front of Mr. Rane other than congress:

1. Joining back Shiv Sena: Does not seem possible as part chief Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear that there is nor entry for those who troubled the Late Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray.

2. Joining BJP: Some state BJP leaders are ready for this but since National BJP President Amit Shah has made it clear that Vidhan Sabha polls will be fought with Shiv Sena-RPI alliance, MahaYuti. So it will be inappropriate to allow entry for Mr. Rane in the party as it might send wrong signals to their oldest NDA ally Shiv Sena.

3. New Party: This does not seem to be a feasible option in the present scenario. Mr. Rane had this option back in 2005. But he rejected it & chose to join Congress. Now going for a new party will mean to start everything from basics, especially after the recent defeat in LS polls and the upcoming state polls in 2-3 months.

4. Joining MNS: This is the most unlikely option for Mr. Rane for many reasons. 9 out of the 10 party candidates which stood in LS election lost their deposits. MNS coming to power is not possible practically, as of now. Plus Raj Thackeray is the official CM candidate of party whereas Mr. Rane made it clear in the press conference that denial of CM post is the reason of unrest with the party. But, even in these impossibilities, if this happens it will shake the state politics completely and can become a game changer ahead of polls. MNS Supremo Raj Thackeray himself standing in elections has already enthused the party cadre. And by joining of a senior leader of Mr. Rane calibre will act as a further boost before the poll campaign begins.

    Mr. Rane has been given a tag of being a rebel forever by the media. He had conveyed his dissent against the party in the past also. But the party has ignored those antics then. Though it cant be ignored now. But as of today it remains in IFs & BUTs. Lets see what the future holds.

SR.

Finally It Begins ;)

    Those born in the 80s can understand my dilemma. I always feel we are the Transformational Generation. We saw more than a decade of 20th century and will also be live a big chunk of 21st. We were the ones who knew that VCR is a luxurious item. And we are the ones who also saw the quick rise and fall of DVD players becoming show piece items. Going for shopping of groceries in Apna Baazar(1st all in one departmental store) was a big occasion whereas today even our toothbrush comes from some XYZ mall. And the list will go on an on.

    This same list also included writing your own diary. Earlier we use to pen down our thoughts, experiences before the internet boom happened which paved way for blogs. I also had that 20th century habit. But like the times changed, writing felt like a punishment as so much we are addicted to this QWERTY thing.

    Too much interest in things happening around made me a twitterati from FB'ite. But the information tsunami couldn't be shared with everyone in mere 140 words. Plus sometimes you don't have people around who might share the same excitement. So Finally, I am a Blogger.


SR.