In 2019, the BJP led government in Maharashtra wanted to build a car-shed for the metro. In early October, they cut down many trees in the Aarey forest to make space for the car-shed. This created massive protests across the state. The government filed cases against the protesters.
Though Shiv Sena was also part of the government, it was unable to stop the felling of trees since assembly was not in session.
However, the Shiv Sena came to power a few months later. They new government stalled the construction of the metro car-shed, but it did not withdraw the cases against those who had protested against the felling of trees (When a new government is formed, it automatically takes control of the cases filed by the previous government). For almost a whole year the Aarey protesters would have had to keep going to court. The government removed the cases on 1st October 2020. Why did the government take so long before withdrawing the cases? It was a political strategy. Read on to know what their strategy was.
Shiv Sena has a new vote-bank:
Ever since the Uddhav Thackeray led government came to power, Shiv Sena has got a new set of supporters (Uddhav Thackeray is the son of the party founder Bal Thackeray).
People have found the government governing very well, and it has not provoked any riots. The state has maintained law and order very well.
As an example, here is what Uddhav Thackeray said when people were saying that the Tabligi Jaamat Markaz is entirely the cause of the coronavirus pandemic in India:
Like coronavirus there is another virus that is emerging, which is threatening social harmony. The virus of fake news and communal hatred... I warn such people [who are spreading the virus of fake news and communal hatred] that I will ensure that no law will save you.
This surprised everyone as it is quite the opposite sentiment as one would expect from Shiv Sena. Those who don't know how Shiv Sena has been in the past, can compare Uddhav's statement with his cousin, Raj Thackeray.
The Markaz issue that took place in Delhi is exasperating. Why should they be treated? They should be shot. Our country is undergoing such a huge crisis and at such times, they are putting religion above the nation?
Raj Thackeray is originally from Shiv Sena. In 2006 he left the party starting his own party, Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena.
Uddhav Thackeray's statement was not only good in maintaining law and order, but it also helped curb the spread of the virus. The Markaz attendees felt free to self report and get tested and isolated if necessary.
This is just one among many issues Uddhav Thackeray has handled well.
The CBI Ayodhya verdict:
Shiv Sena is ideologically strongly in favour of the Ram Temple being constructed in Ayodhya. It took part in demolishing the Babri Masjid.
On 30th September 2020, the CBI acquitted the 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
It is likely that most of Shiv Sena's 'new vote-bank' would be strongly against the CBI verdict.
The Babri Masjid demolition caused many riots in which many people were killed,and a countless number had to flee their homes. This can't be considered ' good governance' with ' law and order' under control.
However, it is impossible for Shiv Sena to even think of being against the CBI verdict to appease its 'new vote-bank.' They welcomed the verdict strongly. They even went as far as to say that a majority of people were in favour of the verdict.
The 'new vote-bank' would have suddenly became weary of the party. They would have liked the party for the work it did at present. However, they would have suddenly been reminded of the party's history.
But the next day, the same people would have seen the news:
Uddhav Thackeray withdraws all cases against the Aarey protesters
The feeling would have been like this:
Shiv Sena continues to do good work. Even though the people involved in demolishing the Babri Masjid have been acquitted, it is good because the Aarey protesters no longer have cases against them
Well timed:
Had they released the Aarey protesters before the CBI verdict, the feeling would have been like this:
It is good that the Aarey protesters have been released, but we can't trust Shiv Sena as they have welcomed the CBI verdict.
Had they withdrawn the cases on the same day as the CBI verdict, the media would not have reported it prominently.
Had they withdrawn the cases later, people would not have connected it with the CBI verdict. After all, the two are completely different. Even what happened to the accused people is different: One set has been acquitted , while the other set has had the cases withdrawn.
Uddhav Thackeray withdrew the cases just at the right time. He did it exactly a day after the CBI verdict. It made one make the connection that: 'Along with the people involved in demolishing the Babri Masjid, the Aarey protesters have also been "set free"'
Venkatavaradan Vanav
Commented 10 Oct, 2020
gREATg
Venkatavaradan Vanav
Commented 10 Oct, 2020
Good analysis