What is Raj Thackeray doing in Gujarat?

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s reverence for each other became public after the Babri Masjid demolition as both subscribed to the politics of hard Hindutva.

After the communal riots in Gujarat, Modi was admonished across the nation and the world for remaining a silent spectator. But neither the Sena nor Thackeray ever questioned Modi’s role to suggest the riots were a backlash to the Godhra fire.

Thackeray’s admiration for Modi’s good governance is quite known. However, it is interesting to note how his estranged nephew Raj Thackeray has suddenly embarked on ‘Mission Gujarat’ with a single-minded desire to understand the politics of development. Back home, the question being debated in the corridors of power is: what is the real purpose of Raj’s visit to Gujarat?

Raj, who is often dismissed for his destructive politics because of anti-migrants policies, may be trying to resurrect his image. This could be the beginning of Raj trying to reaffirm his politics by replacing the much highlighted destruction activities with that of development to mark a paradigm shift in the organisational outlook.

Top politicians across Congress and NCP in the state have often cited Modi’s administrative capabilities for taking the state ahead in the past one decade. The top leadership in the Congress has often said how, to get rid of coalition politics, Maharashtra has to go the Gujarat way. NCP leaders have openly cited Modi’s tough administrative stance as a must for progress.

Even if one were take the MNS chief’s visit on face value, it is difficult to lose sight of the bigger political challenge in the 2012 BMC elections. If riding Moditva, MNS can win the support of Gujarati voters, then it can surely make a major difference in the BMC elections. To begin with, of the total 227 municipal wards, the strictly Marathi-dominated are 95-100 seats. Both the Sena and MNS will focus their energies on these seats.

The battle for the remaining 127 seats dominated by non-Marathis (north Indians et al) would be the focus of the ruling Congress. Currently, the NCP hold can be dismissed in just 35-40 seats. Traditionally, the Gujarati community in Mumbai has been pro-BJP. In its absence, they have often supported the Sena.

The Sena leadership is already reeling under the fear of a replay of the 2009 Parliament and assembly polls where the division of Marathi votes consolidated the Congress. While Raj needs to prove his might, Uddhav has to fight for survival in the BMC elections. And both are not going to leave any stone unturned to reaffirm their identity in aamchi Mumbai.