Maharashtra: Mashaal is symbolic of a revolution, says former Shiv Sena MLA Krishna Hegde

Contrary to what Shakespeare said - what's in a name? - there's lots in a name, given the current bitter Maharashtra Govt. vs Uddhav Thackeray battle. The Uddhav Thackeray faction has been given the mashaal or flaming torch as its symbol. It will also be called Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). According to former MLA Krishna Hegde, "Shiv Sena won one of its first elections with the mashaal as its symbol."

Hegde said, "Chhagan Bhujbal had contested an MLA election in 1985 with that symbol, and it was a victory for the Shiv Sena. Now more than 30 years later, it is the flaming torch once again. The torch is not new to the Shiv Sena. It is also a revolutionary and dynamic symbol." Hegde did term losing the original bow ‘n' arrow as "unfortunate" but claimed that they were happy to get this symbol.

Hindutva angle

For Hegde, "It is not the symbol but the attempt to uproot what Balasaheb stood for, which is more important. Balasaheb Thackeray fought for Hindus and coined the slogan ‘garv se kaho hum Hindu hain' which was then adapted by the BJP. In fact, there is a false perception created that Shiv Sena deviated from these principles. It is also strange that suddenly, faults have been found with the Shiv Sena that was with the BJP for so many years."

Also Read: EC allots 'two swords and a shield' as poll symbol to Shinde faction of Shiv Sena

Hegde also reminded critics that the BJP was also once with Mehbooba Mufti, "and then, they claim others have moved away from the Hindutva agenda. So, it is evident that their agenda is to do whatever suits them".

It's figures

Hegde, who is secretary, Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, added, "This is an interim order. We do not know what happens next. In any case, we are ready to fight the by-election in Andheri (E). We are going to win by 30,000 votes." When asked on what is he basing these figures and projections, Hedge stated, "We have grassroots workers here. Their energy and dynamism are known to all." Hegde ended, when asked whether the torch will ‘connect' with people, "Definitely. Today, we live in a world where communication happens at lightning speed. The mashaal must have already reached even USA, China through social media. It is in every household."

Dissolve debate

Krishna Pawle, Shiv Sena leader from Colaba, asked upfront, "Eknath Shinde is in the chair. The BJP took him claiming he is the original Shiv Sena. Yet, if the Shiv Sena itself has been dissolved, then, that post should be dissolved too. How can he be on the chair then? They are just trying to pull this government for the next 1.5 years."

Confusing people

Pawle claimed that the current state dispensation is being run by Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. "Can you tell me which portfolio belongs to whom? I think you too, will be unable to tell me." Pawle said philosophically though, "Nothing is permanent in life. So, it may be with the symbol, but brand Balasaheb Thackeray endures. The mashaal is a symbol of kranti, a freedom struggle against hardship and betrayal."

The future

Pawle put vision and thoughts ahead of symbols though, claiming that many established corporates too change their logos, "like Air India did. In fact, we still have all the names - Balasaheb, Uddhav, Thackeray and Shiv Sena. Shinde has Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena. Yet, we must ask them, which Balasaheb is this? There are so many Balasahebs. So, people are sure to wonder". Pawle, who is a South Mumbai resident, also stated that Shinde was from Thane. "So what does he really know about Mumbai? Uddhav Thackeray, people know, has fought COVID like a warrior. Have people forgotten that? Certainly not. We will see what happens ahead, with the torch as our light."

No rada over shakhas in Navi Mumbai: Shinde Sena

The party led by CM Eknath Shinde has decided not to get into confrontations over the control of Shiv Sena shakhas in Navi Mumbai. The party, now christened Balasahebanchi ShivSena, inaugurated its first central office for Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. There are about 10 Shiv Sena shakhas in Navi Mumbai. Of the 38 corporators who were elected in Navi Mumbai in the 2015 civic elections, about 30 have reportedly joined hands with Shinde. Recently, Thane city saw a clash between the Uddhav and Shinde groups over the control of a shakha and the Shinde Sena's latest move could be a fallout of that skirmish. "We will not claim any Shiv Sena shakha," said Vijay Chaugule, Navi Mumbai district chief of the Shinde faction. "Most corporators are with us, they have their own offices. We will meet people in this new office and solve their problems." The central branch is at Nerul.Shiv Sena's first branch in Navi Mumbai was started in Vashi. Even after the rebellion of former minister Ganesh Naik in 1999, this shakha remained with Sena. According to the party system, the central branch is used by the district head, while smaller branches by local officials. Shiv Sena has 227 shakhas in Mumbai, one in each ward, and 33 in Thane city. - Sameer Surve