29 September,2023 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut/ File Photo
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut, criticised the Shinde Government on Friday, alleging that democracy is under siege in Maharashtra. Raut accused the BJP-led state government of disregarding the Constitution and the law, and he held the BJP responsible for the division within Shiv Sena, an ANI report stated.
In a statement, Raut remarked, "The Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is not part of the delegation going to Ghana under the leadership of Om Birla to strengthen democracy at the international level. What is the state of democracy here? For a year, they have been governing in direct violation of the Constitution, the law, and the Supreme Court."
Addressing the situation in Manipur, Raut expressed concern about the state's deteriorating governance, saying, "The government, Home Ministry, Defence, Prime Minister, everything has failed. Even students are being subjected to violence. A new parliament building is under construction, but Manipur remains neglected."
Raut also raised questions about the political climate in the run-up to the 2024 elections, stating, "Is there a strategy to destabilize the country before the 2024 elections? The entire nation is witnessing what is happening."
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In a veiled swipe at the BJP, Raut attributed the rift within Shiv Sena to the BJP's actions. He asserted that the BJP was responsible for weakening the voice of the Marathi people, which Shiv Sena represented, the report stated.
Blaming the Shinde government, Raut declared, "105 Marathi people sacrificed their lives for Mumbai, and many went to jail. Yet, Marathi people in Mumbai are denied homes. This is happening because Shiv Sena, the voice of the Marathi people, was divided. Eknath Shinde is responsible for this division; he was disloyal. The Bharatiya Janata Party shattered Shiv Sena, and it is responsible for weakening Mumbai and Marathi people."
Raut went on to allege a conspiracy to turn Mumbai into a Union Territory, leading to the relocation of major industries and offices to Gujarat.
Sanjay Raut has consistently criticized the state government and its policies since the split between Shiv Sena and the BJP. Just days ago, he voiced concerns over the government's response to rainfall-related issues in Maharashtra, questioning the Chief Minister's priorities.
Raut stated, "Nagpur is flooded, and parts of Maharashtra are facing drought, but why hasn't the Chief Minister visited those areas? Instead of visiting flood-affected regions, he is busy celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities."
The ongoing tensions between Shiv Sena and the BJP remain a significant aspect of Maharashtra's political landscape, and Raut's statements underscore the divisions and disagreements between the two parties.
