Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has called for conferring the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, on Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
Speaking to the media, Raut said, “Balasaheb Thackeray deserves the Bharat Ratna for his immense contribution to Maharashtra and the country. He is a symbol of pride for all Maharashtrians.”
#WATCH | Mumbai | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "Balasaheb Thackeray should be conferred with the Bharat Ratna award..."
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
"If people like Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on Twitter, then it is the biggest hypocrisy...Shiv Sena is the… pic.twitter.com/uizvxIgaRl
Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Raut accused them of hypocrisy. “If people like Shinde and Fadnavis pay tribute to Balasaheb on Twitter, it is the biggest hypocrisy. Shiv Sena was the life of Balasaheb, and they attacked it by betraying the party,” he added.
Raut's strong remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Shiv Sena factions ahead of upcoming elections, with leaders from both sides invoking Balasaheb’s legacy to consolidate support.
