Mumbai, March 2 — Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday launched a sharp criticism against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of making unnecessary remarks about Uddhav Thackeray's absence from the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
In a press interaction, Raut mocked Shinde's political savvy, suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should offer Shinde lessons on how to ask relevant questions. According to Raut, the mistakes made by Shinde were casting a shadow over BJP leaders more than over Uddhav Thackeray, whom Shinde had targeted for not attending the spiritual gathering.
The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, took place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26 this year.
Raut's Response to Shinde's Remarks on Uddhav Thackeray
Raut took issue with Shinde's remarks questioning Uddhav Thackeray's absence from the Maha Kumbh. He suggested that if Shinde truly believed in the importance of the event, he should direct his concerns to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. "If Bhagwat, as a Hindu, didn't visit the Kumbh to take a dip, why target Uddhav Thackeray?" Raut said, adding that none of the RSS's past leaders—such as Dr. K B Hedgewar, M S Golwalkar, or Vinayak Damodar Savarkar—had ever been seen at a Kumbh either.Raut also drew attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kumbh, suggesting that his participation appeared to be more of a publicity stunt. "Did Modi attend any Kumbh before becoming the Prime Minister? This is just for optics," he remarked.
Allegations Against Shinde’s Political Maneuvering
Raut’s criticism extended beyond the Maha Kumbh issue. In his weekly column Rokhthok, published in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana, Raut alleged that Shinde had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune on February 22 to express grievances about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.The meeting, which reportedly took place at a hotel in Koregaon Park, saw Shinde complaining to Shah about being sidelined in the current state government. According to Raut, Shinde claimed that decisions made during his tenure as Chief Minister in the previous government were being overturned, leaving him marginalized.
Raut suggested that Shinde's ultimate aim was to merge the "robbed" Shiv Sena with the BJP, allowing him to reclaim the Chief Minister’s position. This comes after Shinde led a rebellion in June 2022 that caused the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and fractured the Shiv Sena.
Raut Challenges Shinde to Deny Allegations
When questioned about his claim regarding the meeting between Shinde and Shah, Raut urged Shinde to publicly deny the conversation and clarify his stance. “Even Fadnavis knows the details of what Shinde told Shah,” Raut added, further asserting that such political details often surface when leaders want them to be known.Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Bid for Leader of Opposition
As the Maharashtra legislature’s budget session is set to begin on Monday, Raut confirmed that Shiv Sena (UBT) would press for the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the assembly. "Even if our numbers are fewer, there’s no constitutional rule that says the House can function without an LoP," he emphasized.In conclusion, Raut's remarks underscored a series of political skirmishes within the state government, as Shinde and his allies continue to navigate their relationship with the BJP and their rivals in the Shiv Sena (UBT).
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