Congress Should Guide and Collaborate, Not Just Seek Seats: Sanjay Raut

Mumbai, Feb 10 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the Congress party, asserting that its responsibility should be to coordinate efforts rather than simply demand a larger portion in seat-sharing discussions.

"Congress is a national party with 100 seats, and it has the ability to secure more than 100 seats -- but only if we unite," Raut mentioned.

His comments follow the BJP's overwhelming triumph, the AAP’s severe defeat, and Congress’ continuous inability to secure any seats in the Delhi Assembly elections.

Expressing concern over the disunity within the opposition, Raut remarked, "PM Narendra Modi’s message -- 'if united, we are safe' -- pertains not only to the nation but also to the INDIA alliance. The coalition contested the Lok Sabha elections collectively across various states, yet its strategies faltered in the assembly elections, resulting in a setback. Should we then surrender state elections to the BJP? The INDIA alliance is currently visible only in Parliament, but it must come together and take a firm stance on crucial issues."

In a jab at the Congress, Raut stated, "During elections, we don’t need a ‘Big Brother’ solely for seat-sharing. A leader’s role is to coordinate, not just to secure a larger share of seats. We witnessed this in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha elections. As the primary national party, we expect Congress to lead in all aspects -- not just during the allocation of seats. Alliances should not be limited to mere numerical negotiations."

When questioned about the unity of INDIA bloc partners in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Raut expressed hope, stating that Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, were committed to the alliance. "Other parties like ours also play a significant role. We demonstrated in the Lok Sabha elections that by standing united, we could confront and counter the BJP in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. When we unite, we can effectively challenge the BJP," he affirmed.

In its editorial in the mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned both Congress and AAP for engaging in a self-destructive feud during the Delhi Assembly elections. "Both parties fought to undermine each other, facilitating the BJP's victory. If this trend continues, why maintain an alliance at all? After Maharashtra, if no insights are gained from the Delhi outcomes, then those accountable should acknowledge that they bolstered the BJP's position. No amount of purification in the Ganges will absolve them of that," stated the Saamana editorial.

The editorial questioned Congress’ benefits from its rivalry with AAP, asking, "Are there factions within Congress that intentionally sabotage Rahul Gandhi? If Congress leaders assert it’s not their duty to assist AAP in winning, then that is arrogance. Is it their responsibility to aid the BJP in consolidating its power? The Delhi results are detrimental to democracy. In Maharashtra, Congress leaders also caused unnecessary tensions, leading to last-minute turmoil."

Saamana also reviewed Anna Hazare’s recent criticisms of Arvind Kejriwal. The editorial reminisced about how the anti-corruption movement at Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan had disturbed the Congress-led UPA government and contributed to the BJP’s rise. However, it questioned whether the BJP ever upheld Hazare’s principles. "Which of Anna’s principles has the BJP preserved, despite his recent criticisms of Kejriwal?"

The editorial noted two significant reactions to the Delhi results -- one from Jammu and Kashmir leader Omar Abdullah and another from Anna Hazare. "It was Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia who elevated Anna Hazare to national prominence. Kejriwal took political control of Delhi and battled against the BJP for a decade. Ultimately, after various strategies, the BJP managed to achieve victory. The delight on Anna Hazare’s face regarding Kejriwal’s defeat is remarkable."

Hazare’s latest remarks have further stirred controversy, suggesting that Arvind Kejriwal’s beliefs and character were never pure. His life was marred. Voters lacked faith in his ability to deliver for them. "I cautioned him, but he did not heed my advice. The liquor policy scandal damaged his reputation," Hazare was quoted as saying. Saamana indicated that Hazare’s "pain" should be perceived in light of his past ties with Kejriwal.

The editorial additionally emphasized Congress’ impact on AAP’s loss in 14 seats and drew parallels with Haryana. "If this pattern persists, opposition unity will remain a distant aspiration," it concluded.