As the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra completes one year in office in November, the clear dominance of the Nationalist Congress Party in the matters of governance is much visible. The Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is busy battling the BJP as the former saffron ally has trained most of its guns on Thackeray’s party, be it in Sena-run municipal corporations like Mumbai or Mantralaya.
The NCP has taken a lead not only in decision making, but also in political matters as its ministers hold regular 'janata darbars' where they meet common citizens and address their grievances. Neither Shiv Sena nor Congress have asked their ministers to hold meetings for people the way NCP has been doing under the guidance of party chief Sharad Pawar.
The NCP’s aggression can be seen in the decisions taken by its ministers and also by the party organisation. More than a month ago, NCP effected a split in the Shiv Sena unit in Ahmednagar district and inducted 7 Sena municipal councillors into the party. This move hurt Udddhav Thackeray and he spoke to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar, who had blessed the entire operation, then sent the Sena councillors back to their original party. Recently, the NCP started a cell for the LGBT community, thus becoming the first political party to do so in the country. The move has certainly conveyed a message that the NCP is an inclusive party with progressive leadership and outlook.
The Shiv Sena, at present, is busy making preparations for its annual Dussehra rally, which is attended by Shiv Sainiks from all nooks and corners of the state. This year, with Mumbai and the state still in grip of coronavirus pandemic, the annual Dussehra rally could be a muted virtual affair instead of a grand show at Shivaji Park ground. No final decision has been made, however, about the rally so far.
The annual meeting of the Shiv Sena assumes significance as last year at the Dussehra rally, Uddhav Thackeray had announced that “next year, Shiv Sena chief minister will address the Dussehra rally”. With his promise coming true and he himself becoming chief minister, the Shiv Sena will leave no stone unturned to organise a grand ceremony on Dussehra day. What remains to be seen is how the Sena leadership tackles the coronavirus threat; hence the chances of a virtual celebration are more.
Missing in action is the Congress as neither its ministers nor its party organisation has been able to make much impact despite being in power for almost a year now. Very few Congress leaders like party general secretary and spokesman Sachin Sawant are battling to create a positive perception of the party and take on the BJP; most others are silent observers or mere bystanders.
