Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut, has taken a strong stance against the central government, accusing it of being out of touch with the reality of a nationwide LPG crisis. He raised the question of whether the images depicting lengthy queues for LPG in Mumbai and Delhi are AI-generated.

Raut criticized the current administration for lacking the integrity of previous leaders like Pandit Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi.

He likened the situation regarding LPG to a botched medical operation, asserting that while the government maintains everything is under control, the actual situation is dire.

“Are the photos of long queues in Mumbai and Delhi AI-generated?” Raut asked rhetorically.

He pointed out the significant repercussions for everyday citizens, claiming that approximately 50% of Vada Pav stalls in Mumbai have closed down.

School and college canteens are facing challenges in their operations. Nearly 40% of restaurants in Mumbai are struggling due to the LPG shortage.

Additionally, the historic Annapurna Temple in Varanasi—the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—has been compelled to halt its long-standing tradition of offering free meals (Annachhatra) to those in need.

Similarly, the distribution of Prasad in Shirdi has been reduced. “You claim to support Hindutva and religious activities; at least ensure LPG is available for temples, schools, and ashrams. Do not mislead the public,” Raut stated.

Commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to Delhi on Monday night, Raut remarked that both the Shinde-led Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction were essentially established by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Amit Shah is the leader of the Shinde Sena. Since he and PM Modi created these factions, it is only logical for the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to meet them. There is nothing objectionable about that,” Raut quipped.

He accused the state government of unfair distribution of developmental funds, stressing the urgent need for aid in Marathwada and Vidarbha. He insisted that the backlog in these regions must be addressed irrespective of whether the local MLA is from the Opposition.

Raut further commented on the role of the Speaker, stating, “Whether it’s the Speaker of the Assembly or the Lok Sabha, once in that position, they must remain impartial. Presently, they exhibit political bias. Our Speakers should aspire to the neutrality exemplified by the Karnataka Assembly Speaker.”

When questioned about NCP(SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad's recent remarks concerning Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raut refrained from direct comment, noting that the citizens of Maharashtra have already voiced their opinions.

He concluded by addressing international relations, asserting that the U.S. has inflicted a setback on India concerning the Chabahar Port, an act he described as something “even an enemy wouldn’t commit.”