This is an archive article published on May 2, 2023
In Sharad Pawar’s resignation, a Bal Thackeray parallel: How Sena founder checkmated rebels three decades ago
Following Chhagan Bhujbal’s revolt in July 1992, the Shiv Sena founder announced he was stepping down from the party. In response, Shiv Sainiks rallied behind Thackeray, stamping his authority on the party forever.
The announcement came in front of an entire galaxy of state NCP leaders at the launch of the second edition of Pawar’s autobiography Lok Maze Sangati in Mumbai. Many of these leaders broke down and urged the party founder to walk back his decision, which came days after news emerged about his nephew Ajit Pawar drifting towards the BJP.
The sudden announcement by Pawar, who is considered an astute and pragmatic politician, is, however, not the only instance when a senior state politician has caught his followers unawares when faced with a crisis.
Pawar’s close friend from the 1990s and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had pulled a similar move almost three decades ago when an unprecedented attack on his style of functioning from detractors within and outside the Shiv Sena.
Stung by the revolt of Chhagan Bhujbal and 17 other MLAs from rural Maharashtra, and jibes from critics within his party that he was turning it into his fief, Thackeray on July 18, 1992, wrote a signed article titled “Akhercha Jai Maharashtra (The final Jai Maharashtra)” in party mouthpiece Saamana, announcing that he was resigning from the party once and for all.
“Even if one Shv Sainik stands against me and my family and says I left the Shiv Sena because of you or you hurt us. I am not prepared to continue as Shiv Sena chief for one moment,” the Sena founder wrote.
The article had the desired effect and two days later, on June 20, a sea of Shiv Sainiks landed outside the Shiv Sena Bhavan to plead with Thackeray to reconsider his decision. Senior Sena leaders were heckled and manhandled by the crowd for not being loyal enough to the party founder and many of Thackeray’s potential detractors were cut to size. This, in effect, consolidated Thackeray’s grip on the party. Thackeray “magnanimously” acceded to the Sainiks’ requests and stamped his authority forever on the party, which swept into power nearly three years later in 1995 along with the BJP.
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There is still suspense about what prompted Pawar to announce his resignation and whether the Maratha stalwart will agree to reconsider his decision. However, by putting up a public show about his plans to not head the party he has sent the subtle message that he remains the most dominant force in the NCP.
Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports.
Expertise
Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper.
Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas:
Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai.
Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC).
Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai).
Trustworthiness & Credibility
Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence.
Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers).
Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports.
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