February 23, 1998

Thane Maharashtra
Electorate: 28.3 lakh
Main Rival: Prakash Paranjape (BJP-Sena)

Controversy, not too long ago, was her middle name. Chandrika Kenia, the tempestuous cricketer-turned-socialite, has spent her life flitting between parties -- Shiv Sena to Congress and now to the Samajwadi Party. But if arrogant once, now she is much mellowed. Old-timers in Thane look bemused as Kenia actually listens to people, explains her stand and ends by declaring herself a true daughter of Maharashtra.

Her image, too, keeps changing. For urban Thane, she becomes a secular Mumbaikar. For the Gujaratis, it's apari Chandrika eating their home-made food. And for the leftists, she readily hands out lal salaams. Yet, some of the volatile nature remains. In the middle of a hectic campaign recently, she rushed off for a boat ride in Thane as a huge crowd cheered her on. One of them said: "Is she trying to emulate Hema Malini or Jhansi ki Rani?" The lady changes her sari twice a day, loves diamonds and tiptoes on the dais in high heels. Will she win? Who knows, but as the slogan goes, "Delhi mein Sonia aur Thane mein Kenia."

-- Sheela Raval

Back to Carnival

Write to us | Subscriptions

© Living Media India Ltd