The rising rebel and revolt within mainstream political parties in Maharashtra occupied centre stage in all Marathi dailies in the past fortnight. Marathi newspapers also focused on the simmering discontent within the Congress-NCP and Shiv Sena-BJP over the selection of candidates. On the whole, it was dirty-to-dynasty politics which ruled the Marathi dailies.
A glance at the headlines across the newspapers clearly indicated that the state is passing through a turbulent electoral process. A headline in the Maharashtra Times screamed, “The Great Maharashtra Circus”. The news report elaborated on how protesting candidates kept party-hopping when their parent organisations denied them a ticket.
“Nimmya Rajyat Bandkhoranche Awhan (Majority of the state is reeling from rebel challenge),” Sakal said. Pudhari described the developments as “Rada Suru” (Trouble begins), while Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna summed it up as “Bandakhorancha Swine Flu” (Rebels’ swine flu). The rebellion impact was greater this time. It was not only the Congress and NCP, but also the Shiv Sena and BJP which saw committed party workers defying the leadership and waging revolt. The Congress-NCP described the event as the onset of democracy within the Sena.
Dynasty politics was another topic which triggered an unending debate in all Marathi dailies. The Loksatta described the trend as “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani” (Story of every household). Whether it’s the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena or BJP every party invited flak for promoting nepotism. From Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s daughter Praneti (Sholapur Central), Union heavy industries minister Vilasrao Deshmukh’s son Amit (Latur city), BJP general secretary Gopinath Munde’s daughter Pankaja (Beed) and niece Poonam Mahajan (Ghatkopar West), all have become the talking point.
At the end of dussehra, campaigning intensified with candidates and top leaders sweating it out to seek support from the masses. The campaigning, however, began on a violent note with Congress and BJP leaders clashing at Akkalkot in Sholapur. The incident, which made headlines across regional newspapers, claimed the life of one worker and left many injured.
In the midst of the campaign cacophony, there was a soothing strain of melody with the news of Lata Mangeshkar turning 80. Newspapers recalled Lata didi’s great contribution to the world of music, which they say remains “unparalleled”.
Comments