Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday launched a fierce attack on the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena over Minister Gulabrao Patil’s alleged “Lakshmi Darshan” comments ahead of Maharashtra’s local body elections, urging the Election Commission to take immediate cognisance of what he termed a “direct attempt at voter inducement.”
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut accused the ruling Mahayuti leadership of blatantly distributing money to influence voters on the eve of the municipal polls. “Elections are tomorrow, and Shinde’s ‘gulabo gang’ is openly talking about Lakshmi Darshan. The Election Commission must act. Ministers themselves are saying that money is being handed out — Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 in some areas,” Raut alleged.
His comments came in response to a viral political storm triggered by Minister Gulabrao Patil’s statements, where he was allegedly heard implying that funds from the Urban Development Department would flow to areas supporting the Shiv Sena in the upcoming local elections. The suggestion that “Lakshmi” would arrive for those who “put the cot outside” sparked outrage among opposition parties.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande amplified the controversy by sharing Patil’s remarks on X, questioning whether such statements amounted to a direct bribe for votes. “What is this ‘goods’ he is talking about? Which Lakshmi is coming? Isn’t this a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct? Will the Election Commission respond, or will it look the other way?” he wrote.
This is not the first time a senior leader of the Mahayuti government has faced criticism over election-linked remarks. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently drew heavy backlash after warning voters that development funds would depend on electoral support. “The vote is in your hands; the fund is in my hands,” Pawar had said, triggering strong political condemnation.
Monday also marked Sanjay Raut’s return to the political forefront after undergoing treatment for a serious illness since late October. Reflecting on his health, he said his medical condition began “when he was in jail,” adding, “They have a habit of putting opponents behind bars, but we will continue our fight.”
Raut said his condition was improving after completing the radiation stage of treatment but insisted he would not sit idle. “Local body elections are here, and I will be campaigning,” he said. He also expressed appreciation for leaders across party lines who checked on him, noting that Devendra Fadnavis, senior Union ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and MNS chief Raj Thackeray all inquired about his health.
