MNS’ signature drive to oust CEC

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) launched a statewide signature campaign on Monday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, starting with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The main campaign was taken up at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, to mobilise direct public support for the ouster of the CEC and changes to the...

min read

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) launched a statewide signature campaign on Monday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, starting with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The main campaign was taken up at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, to mobilise direct public support for the ouster of the CEC and changes to the electoral processes, besides scrapping the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, brother Tejas and their cousin, MNS functionary Amit Thackeray, along with top leaders from both parties staged a protest march in Dadar this evening followed by a dharna. The other demands include return to Ballot Paper voting, accurate and transparent electoral rolls, and conducting the electoral processes in consultation with all political parties. MNS President Raj Thackeray was scheduled to join the signature campaign later this evening even as the process continued in full swing in different parts of Mumbai and the state. However, party officials claimed that there was a huge and spontaneous response to the drive, but could not provide the details of the signatures collected today. In Navi Mumbai, too A similar campaign was organized near Vashi railway station led by MNS Navi Mumbai President Gajanan Kale, Sachin Kadam and others in which large crowds of men, women and youth were seen signing the demand petitions. As political activists clamoured against Gyanesh Kumar, some wearing T-shirts with slogans demanding his resignation, Kale said the campaign would be extended to other towns in Navi Mumbai. SS (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve led a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, besides reports of agitations coming in different parts of the state. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Founder Abhijeet Dipke – who returned to his hometown and left to pay homage to his deceased grandmother in Hingoli - today fired a fresh salve, accusing the Centre of “waging a war against citizens to protect CEC Gyanesh Kumar.” Today’s signature drive followed a weekend of angry protests against Gyanesh Kumar and the detention of demonstrators in Mumbai, including social activists Tushar Gandhi, his daughter Kasturi, Guddi S.L. Feroze Mithiborwala, actor Imran Khan and over 600 other youth. In tune with Delhi agitation It also coincided with INDIA block agitation in New Delhi led by Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other top Opposition leaders seeking a meeting with the Chief Justice of India. After the request was rejected the Opposition marched to the apex court to file a petition on the same issue this evening. Terming it as “the second battle for Independence”, Congress state President Harshwardhan Sapkal along with all party MPs and MLAs from the state, plus office-bearers, totalling to over 1,000, went to New Delhi to join the INDIA bloc’s ‘Save Democracy’ agitation. “The dictatorial BJP has resolved to crush this democratic struggle. New Delhi has turned into a military cantonment. Over 30,000 police and security personnel have been deployed, 250 trains have been halted or cancelled, and metro services have also been suspended. All this is to suppress the mass movement and conceal the ‘vote-theft’. But until all those responsible for the electoral malpractices are booked, Gyanesh Kumar is removed and arrested, we will not rest,” thundered Sapkal. State leaders joining the INDIA bloc march included AICC Maharashtra In-Charge Dr. Sirivella Prasad, Goa In-Charge Manikrao Thakre, CWC Member M. Arif Naseem Khan, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Balasaheb Thorat, Nitin Raut, Amit Deshmukh, Vishwajeet Kadam, ex-MP Hussain Dalwai, B. M. Sandeep, Rehana Chishti, Bhai Jagtap, Mohan Joshi, Atul Londhe and others.

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Divyaa Advaani

Jan 17, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.

Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.

Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.

Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.

Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.

Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.

One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.

During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.

The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.

Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.

Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)