For Sake Of Power, Ideologies Are Thrown To Winds In Maharashtra To Form Local Alliances

Maharashtra’s politics has long been a maze of caste equations, regional ambitions, cooperative networks and dominant local satraps. But in recent years — and more sharply after the latest civic and local body elections — a striking new trend is seen emerging. All political parties are discarding ideological commitments and old rivalries to cobble together expedient alliances at the grassroots. Across wards and municipalities, the political battle is no longer anchored in principles or programmes. Instead, it revolves around arithmetic, individual clout and the urgency for political survival. Once sworn adversaries, many are sharing rallies, ideological oppositions are sunk and erstwhile bitter enmities are quietly buried in the scramble for seizing power. Crass pragmatism has triumphed over sanctity of philosophy. In short, convenience has replaced conviction. In this arena of local politics, “no holds barred” has become the key word. It is a ruthless realism where power matters more than what one once stood for. While the BJP has established its numerical prime position in the state polity by winning over half of the seats in the 29 municipal corporations that went to the polls, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP established by Sharad Pawar were the main losers. However, in the post-poll scenario that is throwing one surprise after another, both these parties are engaged in forming alliances with some of their former opponents. The clear picture will become visible in a few days once the mayoral elections are held. Till then, the once unthinkable permutations and combinations will be watched by the hapless electors.