Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), sparked controversy with his scathing remarks on Saturday, criticising the granting of a clean chit to Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar in a hotel redevelopment case. Raut expressed disbelief, suggesting sarcastically that even notorious underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim might soon receive a similar exoneration.
"What else can happen? Now the only one left to receive a clean chit is Dawood. Ravindra Waikar deserted Uddhav Thackeray to join the Shinde group out of fear of the ED," Raut remarked, highlighting the political tensions within the party.
The case in question involved allegations against Waikar, his wife, and close associates regarding the construction of a star hotel in Jogeshwari, Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had filed a case implicating them for allegedly manipulating land use conditions. However, the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) recently filed a closure report, leading to accusations of political favoritism after Waikar switched allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
Raut continued his critique, alleging that false cases were being registered against their party members to intimidate them. He specifically called out Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, claiming he also succumbed to pressure out of fear.
"Wrong cases are being registered against our people, and efforts are being made to pressurize us. Some people are leaving out of fear, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," Raut asserted, demanding accountability from the authorities responsible for initiating such cases.
Shifting focus to national politics, Raut echoed Lalu Yadav's recent prediction of the NDA government's potential downfall by August, emphasizing a growing political realignment under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.
"Lalu Yadav is absolutely right; this government will not last. The current political landscape is undergoing significant shifts under Rahul Gandhi's leadership," Raut declared, highlighting what he perceives as a weakening grip of the Modi-led government despite its parliamentary majority.
Raut also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration for their perceived lack of empathy during crises, contrasting it with Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to the families of the Hathras stampede victims.
"Where there is pain and crisis, BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, never show up. When will they go? The Prime Minister never visits during such incidents," Raut lamented, underscoring a perceived difference in political compassion between the opposition and the ruling party.
In conclusion, Raut called for greater public mobilization against perceived authoritarian tendencies, urging supporters to channel their energy towards addressing socio-economic challenges.
"The large crowds that gather during celebratory moments should also come out in times of crisis. If this crowd protests against dictatorship, democracy will thrive, and authoritarianism will cease," Raut urged, appealing for collective action against what he sees as growing authoritarianism in the country.
