What Did Sanjay Raut Say About the Shinde Sena's 'Lakshmi Darshan' Initiative?
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Synopsis
Sanjay Raut's recent comments about the Shinde Sena's financial tactics in local elections expose a brewing conflict within Maharashtra's political landscape. With allegations of money distribution and anticipated defections, the upcoming elections are set to be a critical battleground.
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Raut has accused the Eknath Shinde faction of distributing money to voters.
- The Election Commission is urged to investigate these claims.
- Raut does not recognize Shinde's faction as the true Shiv Sena.
- A major internal split within Shinde's faction is anticipated.
- Raut emphasizes the importance of unity with the MNS to challenge the BJP.
Mumbai, Dec 1 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut delivered a fierce critique of the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena on Monday, dubbing them the 'Gulabo Gang' and accusing them of initiating 'Lakshmi Darshan' (money distribution) in advance of the upcoming local body elections on December 2.
He claimed that numerous constituencies are witnessing voters being promised sums between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000.
“The Election Commission must take notice of this. Such financial manipulation has never been seen in the municipal corporation and council elections in Maharashtra before,” he asserted.
Raut emphasized that municipal elections have traditionally been conducted locally; however, the current scenario involves the use of five to six helicopters and private jets.
Making his first public appearance after a prolonged illness, the Sena (UBT) leader insisted on not recognizing the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the authentic Shiv Sena, predicting that Amit Shah will eventually reveal the true nature of the Shinde Sena.
He foresees a major internal fracture, asserting that around 35 legislators from the Shinde faction are likely to defect, alleging that BJP state president Ravindra Chavan was appointed for this very reason.
In another political development, Raut mentioned a meeting between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), noting that their discussions are “progressing well.”
“What is unfolding between them is indeed moving forward,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of uniting with the MNS chief to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On the Congress front, Raut reiterated that the Sena (UBT) believes the party should ally with them, but if their confidence has surged following the Bihar election results, they should independently contest the Mumbai civic polls.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided a succinct response to Raut’s allegations, stating, “We are pleased that Sanjay Raut has recovered. He can continue his work while we focus on ours. I do not find it necessary to respond to what he says daily.”
Raut acknowledged that during his illness, he received calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde, and Fadnavis, noting that some relationships should transcend politics.
The MP also updated on his health, confirming the end of his radiation treatment phase and stating that while he is improving, the healing process remains “more challenging than the disease itself.”
Point of View
We acknowledge the significant implications of Sanjay Raut's accusations against the Shinde faction. The allegations of financial inducements in local elections raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. This situation could potentially lead to a substantial shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics, necessitating careful observation in the lead-up to the elections.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Lakshmi Darshan' initiative mentioned by Raut?
The 'Lakshmi Darshan' initiative refers to the alleged practice of distributing money to voters by the Eknath Shinde faction ahead of local body elections.
Who is Sanjay Raut?
Sanjay Raut is a Member of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a prominent political figure in Maharashtra.
What are the concerns regarding the local body elections?
There are concerns about the unprecedented use of money power in local body elections, which Raut claims is undermining the democratic process.
What did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis say in response to Raut?
Devendra Fadnavis expressed his satisfaction over Raut's recovery and stated that they will continue their respective work without engaging in daily disputes.
What is the political significance of Raut's statements?
Raut's statements highlight potential internal conflicts within the Shiv Sena, and his predictions of defections could reshape the political landscape in Maharashtra.
