Why Shiv Sena knighting Hardik Patel may be a blunder

By Advait Moharir

Indian politics is unique and strange. The kind of innovative antics our politicians engage in to hold on to the pedestal of power and retain it, leave analysts and common people alike, flummoxed. The most recent manifestation of the same is Uddhav Thackrey’s announcement that Hardik Patel will be its face for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. This announcement has multiple implications for its ties with the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Maharashtra. Whether this move is a game changer will be answered in due time.

BJP – Shiv Sena’s rocky alliance

In Maharashtra, the BJP-Sena alliance is one of bare necessity. Bring a post-poll alliance, the chemistry between the two isn’t exactly friendly as the Sena has repeatedly provoked the BJP government, both in Maharashtra and the Centre, with its comments. One such significant instance was the Sena not inviting the BJP for it’s 50th anniversary celebrations. However, the BJP has rarely fallen for these antics and almost always, has never reacted, save a few occasions.

[su_pullquote align=”right”]Sena’s move as far as Hardik Patel is concerned is a clear indication that the animosity simmering in the coalition has reached its threshold.[/su_pullquote]

The Sena is looking to assert its independence and to gain lost ground in Mumbai. Its decision to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls without the BJP bears testimony to this fact. Thus, Sena’s move as far as Hardik Patel is concerned is a clear indication that the animosity simmering in the coalition has reached its threshold. With Uddhav Thackrey indicating that the alliance is headed for a split political instability is set to return to Maharashtra. It is likely that the BJP will have to face a vote of no confidence in the Assembly.

A populist face

Hardik Patel is a miracle of populism. He had his fifteen minutes of fame two years ago when his organization, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) led the movement for reservations for Patels in Gujarat. The poor handling of the situation gave Patel much needed publicity. It created a political upheaval in Gujarat, resulting in the CM Anandiben Patel resigning. However, the movement fizzled out quickly as Patel failed to substantiate his demands with facts. His movement turned from a vociferous one to one of needless hysteria, and he slowly lost credibility and support.

Hardik Patel’s movement turned from a vociferous one to one of needless hysteria, and he slowly lost credibility and support. | Photo courtesy: The Indian Express

The Gujarat HC severely criticized him and his lawyer for taking the court for a ride and stating that his petition alleging that he was kidnapped by the police, was a publicity stunt. Patel has tried jumping ship with other politicians, including Arvind Kejriwal, but none of these moves has worked in his favor. While it is seen that he can create acute and short-term upheavals swiftly, his reliability has been under the spotlight for a long time.

Sena’s anti-BJP motive

An interesting aspect of the Sena’s decision is that Patel does not enjoy any political base in Gujarat. He is unlikely to perform well in Gujarat. Sena’s decision is aimed at destabilizing the BJP stronghold.

The move is being made to take advantage of the anti-incumbency factor against the current government.

However, given Hardik Patel’s inconsistency and Shiv Sena’s lack of understanding of Gujarat, this move will be futile.

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Featured image: The Huffington Post

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