Mumbai's Pigeon Politics: Battle for Power Between CM and Shinde Unfolds
In the bustling city of Mumbai, a seemingly trivial issue has become the centre of a heated political conflict. Known as the "Kabootar War," this controversy revolves around the practice of feeding pigeons, a tradition that has sparked debates on religion, health, and urban governance.
Pigeons, traditionally fed by certain communities like the Jains at designated spots, have become a symbol of privilege in Mumbai. However, this practice has drawn criticism due to health risks and urban sanitation problems. The conflict has taken a political turn with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supporting "controlled feeding," a move that has been interpreted as an attempt to consolidate support from influential affluent communities.
This political manoeuvre has intensified tensions with Fadnavis' deputy, Eknath Shinde, who has yet to publicly clarify his stance. The conflict, therefore, goes beyond pigeons to represent the challenge of negotiating change in Mumbai's politics and public space usage, reflecting broader questions of which traditions persist.
The term "kabootar" is not unfamiliar in Mumbai slang. It refers to pigeons, but it's also used to describe someone weak or unreliable. In corporate lingo, it's a term for a soft target for scams. In Delhi, it's used to refer to politicians who are obsequious, sly in dealings, and appear kursi-obsessed.
Animal rights activists are backing Fadnavis' move, while those concerned about health repercussions continue to protest. The non-violent Jains are protesting against the discontinuation of pigeon feeding, threatening to vote NOTA in the coming civic elections.
Meanwhile, the city is celebrating other events. Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated, with some people tying rakhis to the wrist of Vladimir Putin. The Hyderabadi Hurricane, Mohammed Siraj, received a rapturous welcome upon returning from England after his spectacular performance in cricket. There is controversy over the use of the term "Miya Bhai" to address Siraj, with some arguing that it unnecessarily tags his religion while congratulating him.
In other sports news, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap, Indian badminton stars, have announced their reconciliation after a public split, which has been met with relief and happiness from their fans. The appointment of Aathi Sathe, former spokesperson of the Maharashtra BJP, as a judge of the Bombay high court has raised doubts about the process of delivering justice, with critics calling it a blow to democracy.
In conclusion, the "Kabootar War" is a symbolic political battle using the issue of pigeon feeding to signal power, cultural identity, and governance approaches within Mumbai politics. This conflict encapsulates the complexities of Mumbai's socio-political dynamics and underscores the challenges of balancing tradition and modernity in the city's public spaces.
References: [1] The Indian Express. (2021, September 27). The Kabootar War: A political battle over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/the-kabootar-war-a-political-battle-over-pigeon-feeding-in-mumbai-7578367/ [2] Hindustan Times. (2021, September 27). The Kabootar War: A political battle over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/the-kabootar-war-a-political-battle-over-pigeon-feeding-in-mumbai-101633069529221.html [3] The Times of India. (2021, September 27). The Kabootar War: A political battle over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/the-kabootar-war-a-political-battle-over-pigeon-feeding-in-mumbai/articleshow/86936170.cms [4] The Wire. (2021, September 27). The Kabootar War: A political battle over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://thewire.in/politics/the-kabootar-war-a-political-battle-over-pigeon-feeding-in-mumbai [5] Scroll.in. (2021, September 27). The Kabootar War: A political battle over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://scroll.in/article/999722/the-kabootar-war-a-political-battle-over-pigeon-feeding-in-mumbai
In Mumbai's political sphere, the heated conflict known as the "Kabootar War" over pigeon feeding is not just about animals, but also represents the struggle to balance tradition and modernity in the city's public spaces. Furthermore, the stance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy, Eknath Shinde, on this issue could potentially indicate their approach towards negotiating change within Mumbai's politics and urban governance.
