WREST ASSURED
THE WEEK India|May 19, 2024
The rifts and splits in Maharashtra politics have left the voter disillusioned. There is a sense of discontentment even in the two camps - NDA and MVA. Last time, the NDA, with an intact Shiv Sena in its fold, had swept the Lok Sabha polls. This time, no such sweep is likely. Meanwhile, a fractured MVA is playing the victim card
DNYANESH JATHAR
WREST ASSURED

Something unthinkable happened in Baramati a few days ago.

Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party, visited the family of late Sambhajirao ‘Lalasaheb’ Kakde, ending his 55-year-old political rivalry with the Kakdes and their supporters. The feud between Pawar and the Kakde clan is one of the fiercest rivalries in Maharashtra politics, be it in Lok Sabha polls or assembly polls or elections to sugar cooperatives in Pune district. But this Lok Sabha elections is a different story altogether. Pawar, now head of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), had to knock on the doors of the Kakdes to seek support for his daughter, Supriya Sule, who is facing the toughest battle of her political career. Sule is contesting against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, fielded by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction which is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Similar unimaginable scenarios are playing out across the state as the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc (Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra) are battling it out for every vote in each of the state’s 48 Lok Sabha constituencies. Maharashtra politics has taken near-chaotic twists and turns between 2019 and 2024, following the splits in the Shiv Sena and the NCP, toppling of the MVA government and swearing in of Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government. In 2014 and 2019, the saffron alliance (with the Shiv Sena intact and then part of the NDA) swept the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, winning 42 of the 48 seats. Such a sweep is next to impossible this time though. And that is why political leaders have realised the importance of burying old rivalries.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEK INDIAView all
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
THE WEEK India

Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?

India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes

time-read
6 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
THE WEEK India

Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk

PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
THE WEEK India

Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing

SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Efficiency and innovation
THE WEEK India

Efficiency and innovation

As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Level up
THE WEEK India

Level up

Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
THE WEEK India

HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL

While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
Mind matters
THE WEEK India

Mind matters

Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Cutting edge
THE WEEK India

Cutting edge

Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
The smallest cut
THE WEEK India

The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Signalling a revolution
THE WEEK India

Signalling a revolution

Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin

time-read
7 mins  |
December 01, 2024