Hundreds of bookies across Mumbai cried foul after the Bal Thackeray led Shiv Sena suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Rahul Gandhi. The faceoff between the two powerhouses was touted as the match of the year but failed to live up to its grand expectations. The day started splendidly with the temperature and humidity both ideal for a feisty contest. Sadly, the much feared Shiv Sainiks just did not show up for the contest. Hundreds of spectators gathered on the streets amidst tight police security returned home with a dejected look on their face.

However, the biggest losers on the day were the bookies who had bet big time on the Shiv Sena winning the challenge especially with the home ground advantage. Says Mr. Poonawala, a bookie registered with the Mumbai Bookies Association (MBA): “How can the Shiv Sena, with an impeccable home record, fare so badly against Gandhi? The last three home games against the taxiwallahs, the bhaajiwallahs and the students from Bihar had resulted in overwhelming victory for the home side. But, this embarrassing loss has put the Sena’s temperament to face stronger oppositions under question. It’s either that or the Sena and Congress are in cahoots. Not only have we lost a lot of money but also our faith in the Sena.” Another bookie (who did not wish to be identified) said that, “I actually got to know about Sena’s crunching defeat through Google. I had for some reason (which he did not wish to be known) googled the words ‘Epic Fail’ and the results displayed made me aware of the events of the day.

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The bookies initially wanted a probe into the defeat but withdrew their appeal when a Sena spokesperson issued the following press statement to assuage their anger: “I understand that the defeat to Rahul Gandhi has tainted our record and reputation but we would like to state that the same will not be repeated in the next match against Shahrukh Khan and the bookies will have their money back.” The team vice captain, Uddhav Thackeray, however, could not be reached for comments.