Also Read: Maharashtra Dy CM directs BMC to axe Uddhav Thackeray Sena’s ambitious cycle track project

Considering the urgency, the SC has been showing in the cases related to the fall of the Maharashtra government, the disqualification pleas and its counters are expected to be judged within a month or so.  By Monday, the apex court will get the Thackeray’s group’s petition challenging the CEC’s order. With allegations of use of government influence and money, the legal war will go on, with the Thackeray group trying to create a public perception of it being a victim who needs public sympathy-induced votes. No matter whether or not it retains the name and ‘bow and arrow’. Painted villain-de-piece Shinde and his alliance partners, the Bharatiya Janata Party, will definitely be working to minimise the sympathy factor that primarily appears to be the mainstay of Thackeray group in the current fight. No wonder then that he told his supporters very emotionally, “I have nothing in my hands, but I’m not lost and wrecked.”

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Let’s see what happens if Shinde gets a favourable verdict in the Supreme Court and his MLAs are saved from disqualification. His future passage will still be dotted with ditches. A rough ride when he, as an independent entity, sits to talk about seat sharing with the BJP. A tough time when he tries to shift a majority of the united Sena’s hardcore votes influenced by Hindutva and loyalty for Thackerays. The share has been roughly between 18 and 20 per cent in the recent elections. The fact is that the BJP too has been eyeing the votes wherever it needs them, and its pact with Shinde’s Sena has given the national party leeway to work on the crucial vote bank through the new partner. And, it is to be seen what freedom Shinde gets while planning the polls for his own unit—be it in its old format or the recognised one, depending on the forthcoming legal outcome. The BJP will never let its upper-hand slip a centimetre when it comes to electioneering alone or with an ally. The elections held after Shinde’s elevation stand testimony to the observation. The BJP will not leave any plant unwatered to reap a good harvest that Shinde’s revolt has sown. It is yet to be seen what lands in Shinde’s lap.

One is mistaken if (s)he thinks all’s hunky dory in the Shinde camp. His men are buoyed beyond limit by the recent developments. They feel high because ministerial berths and other seats of power have eluded them so far. Every person wants more from the party with each passing day. The competition has become cut-throat and keeping them together is a task in itself. More leaders from other parties will enter the Shinde Sena, but not before Uddhav is delivered a final blow. Like the BJP, Shinde
cannot afford to tell the dissidents to mend their ways and behave. His run has just begun under the watchful eyes of the big brother, who doesn’t do politics for others’ benefit. 

Small fry know it best. Fortunate ones get to float in a pan full of oil before being placed on a platter. Others don’t get that lucky.

Dharmendra Jore is political editor, mid-day. He tweets @dharmendrajore

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