A wave of celebration washed over Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray, as jubilant Shiv Sena (UBT) workers gathered to mark a resounding victory in the Mumbai University Senate elections. The Yuva Sena, led by Aaditya Thackeray, swept the polls, capturing all 10 graduate seats and leaving the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in their wake.
The air was thick with the sounds of music and laughter as party supporters showered each other with gulal, a vibrant colored powder traditionally used during Holi celebrations. Aaditya Thackeray, the face of the Yuva Sena, joined in the festivities, smearing gulal on the faces of his brother Tejas and mother Rashmi Thackeray, a gesture that symbolized the shared joy and unity within the party.
“All other organizations, including the ABVP affiliated to the BJP, were wiped out. There was a celebration in Matoshree. All this happened because of the loyal Shiv Sainiks. You all have shown what loyalty means. We will continue to serve the students,” Aaditya Thackeray declared, emphasizing the unwavering dedication of the party’s supporters.
Aaditya, who serves as an MLA from Worli, attributed the victory to the trust placed in former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray by the graduating students. On X (formerly Twitter), Aaditya expressed his gratitude, stating, “10 on 10 it is! Once again!! To all those who voted for us, and to all the Shiv Sena + Yuva Sena colleagues, a big thank you for your trust, support, effort and blessings. We have not only repeated but bettered our performance at the Mumbai University Graduate Senate Elections. 100% strike rate.”
Uddhav Thackeray himself acknowledged the significance of the victory, declaring, “This is the start. We have to register a similar victory in Vidhan Sabha,” referring to the state legislative assembly. He highlighted the reach of the party, emphasizing that voting for the Senate polls was not limited to Mumbai but extended to surrounding districts like Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and even the south Konkan districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, demonstrating the party’s widespread influence.
But what exactly is the Senate? The Senate stands as the highest elected decision-making body and watchdog of Mumbai University. It represents a diverse group of individuals – teachers, principals, college managements, and registered graduates – all working together to guide the university’s path. The Senate holds considerable power, including the responsibility of approving the university’s budget. This victory marks a significant step for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and their youth wing, potentially setting the stage for future political triumphs.
