 |
|
The political landscape in India is in a state of flux, with recent events highlighting the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within parties. The case of Shriniwas Vanga, an MLA from Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, has become a stark example of this dynamic. Vanga, once a staunch supporter of Uddhav Thackeray, went missing after being denied a ticket for the Palghar constituency in the upcoming elections. This event has ignited a flurry of speculation and raised questions about the future of the Shiv Sena, a party deeply divided after a rebellion led by Shinde in 2022.
Vanga's disappearance is not just a personal tragedy, but a reflection of the political maneuvering and power struggles that have come to define the Shiv Sena. His wife revealed that he had been distraught over the seat announcement, feeling betrayed by Shinde after supporting him during his rebellion. Vanga's remorseful words, expressing regret for leaving Thackeray, further illustrate the depth of his disillusionment. He lamented his decision to leave Thackeray, whom he considered a ‘god-like person’, for Shinde, only to be left out in the cold when it came to receiving a ticket for the upcoming elections.
The irony of the situation is that Vanga had been assured of a ticket, a promise that was ultimately broken. The ticket for Palghar was instead awarded to Rajdendra Gavit, a former BJP MP who had joined Shinde’s faction before the election. This decision has fueled speculation that Vanga may now be considering returning to Thackeray’s camp, especially since he has been offered a seat in the Legislative Council – an offer he has rejected, describing it as a ‘lollipop’.
Vanga's political journey is intertwined with his family’s history in the Shiv Sena. His father, Chintamani Vanga, a prominent Scheduled Tribe leader, was a BJP MP from Palghar and a strong supporter of the party. After his father’s death in 2018, Shriniwas joined the Shiv Sena, then a BJP ally, and contested the by-elections. Though he lost to the BJP candidate, his bond with the Thackeray faction deepened over time. Uddhav Thackeray’s support for Vanga was evident in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he campaigned for him in Palghar despite the constituency going to their partner, the BJP. Vanga’s subsequent win in the state assembly elections in 2019 was a testament to Thackeray’s backing.
Given this shared history and Thackeray’s past support, Vanga’s decision to join Shinde in 2022 was a surprise to many. According to party leaders, Vanga had invited Shinde to his son’s birthday celebration, a seemingly innocuous event that turned out to be the catalyst for the rebellion. The group of MLAs who left Mumbai for Palghar and then to Surat, making the rebellion public, included Vanga, who joined Shinde’s side, ultimately betraying the trust placed in him by Thackeray.
The speculation regarding Vanga’s future is rife. Will he return to Thackeray’s camp, seeking forgiveness and a chance to rekindle his ties with the party he once felt loyal to? Or will he remain with Shinde, hoping to navigate the political labyrinth and secure a future for himself? As the elections approach, the political drama surrounding Vanga’s disappearance and his uncertain future will likely continue to unfold. The implications of his choices, both personal and political, will have a significant impact on the Shiv Sena’s future, leaving a trail of questions and unanswered dilemmas.
Source: Denied Ticket, E Shinde's MLA Repents Leaving Uddhav Thackeray, Goes Missing