Kalyan, Jan 21 (NationPress) Sanjay Raut, the MP from Shiv Sena UBT, has condemned the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, for its alliance with the Shinde faction in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), calling it a “betrayal.”

Raut’s remarks followed an official declaration by MP Shrikant Shinde from the Shinde faction, confirming that the MNS would collaborate with Shiv Sena (Shinde) in governing the corporation.

While local MNS leaders have expressed support for this partnership, it has ignited significant backlash from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, with Raut describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”

In a press briefing, Raut took a firm stance against the alliance, insisting that individuals who have “betrayed” Balasaheb Thackeray and Maharashtra should not be accepted.

“Our stance is unequivocal and harsh. We refuse to engage in any political or personal relationships with those who have committed treason against Maharashtra and Balasaheb. We must not adopt any position that benefits the traitors of our state,” Raut asserted.

In response to local MNS leaders claiming this was merely a “local-level decision,” Raut demanded accountability from MNS chief Raj Thackeray. He emphasized that when local members deviate from the fundamental principles of a party, the central leadership should enforce disciplinary measures.

Raut referenced past political shifts, noting that Congress corporators in Ambernath faced repercussions after forming an alliance with the BJP.

Raut called on Raj Thackeray to take action against the corporators, questioning how leaders could remain passive while their members “jumped like frogs” to affiliate with the Shinde faction.

Responding to comments from the Shinde camp, Raut stated, “For us and for Maharashtra, the Shinde group is akin to the MIM. Anyone aligning with them is a traitor to Maharashtra.”

Raut disclosed that Uddhav Thackeray is observing the KDMC situation with utmost seriousness.

Characterizing the frequent shifts in allegiance for power as indicative of “mental illness,” Raut accused such politicians of disguising their opportunism under the guise of “development.”

This alliance within Kalyan-Dombivli represents a significant shift in local political dynamics, particularly as the Shinde faction continues to strengthen its power base by attracting smaller parties and independent corporators.

While local MNS leaders seem content with the power-sharing arrangement, the strong criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) suggests that this “twist” will exacerbate the divide between the conflicting factions of the Sena and their respective allies.