The political arena in Airoli is gearing up for an intense battle that mirrors the age-old guru-disciple conflict, set to culminate in the November 23 elections. Veteran MLA Ganesh Naik faces off against two former protégés—Vijay Chaugule and MK Madhvi—in a high-stakes contest that leaves voters pondering: Will the guru triumph, or will the disciples seize victory?

Ganesh Naik's political career dates back to the late 1970s when he first emerged as a labor leader. His initial foray into electoral politics came in 1985 as an independent candidate, though he was defeated by Congress candidate Janardhan Gauri. In 1990, Naik finally gained a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, running on a Shiv Sena ticket. His influence grew as he served as the Environment Minister and Guardian Minister of Thane in 1995. However, tensions with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray eventually led him to join forces with Sharad Pawar in 1999, although this alliance saw him lose to Shiv Sena’s Sitaram Bhoir.

Controversy has often followed Naik, particularly in vote-counting processes, and his relationship with close aide Vijay Chaugule fractured in 2007 when Chaugule challenged Naik’s son, Sanjeev Naik, in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. The rivalry deepened as Chaugule contested against Sandeep Naik in subsequent assembly elections, with Sandeep claiming victory in both 2009 and 2014.

 Further complicating the political landscape, MK Madhvi, another former disciple, parted ways with Naik in 2015. Naik’s 2019 alignment with the BJP was set against a more fragmented scene, with Shiv Sena splitting into Uddhav and Shinde factions. Now, in a twist of alliances, MK Madhvi represents the Mahavikas Aghadi, while Chaugule has opted to run independently.

 As the election day nears, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Will Naik’s political influence and legacy withstand this dual challenge, or will the ambitions of his former protégés turn the tide? Voters in Airoli are left with the decision between the loyalty to a seasoned leader and the aspirations of his ex-disciples.