Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 5: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday alleged that another MLA had been offered Rs 20 crore to defect, claiming attempts to engineer political defections in Maharashtra were continuing.

Speaking to reporters, Raut said the alleged offer came days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir quit the Uddhav Thackeray faction to file his nomination for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council from the Shinde camp.

Raut alleged that an MLA identified as Lingade had recently been offered Rs 20 crore to switch allegiance.

"You are breaking MLAs, MPs and party workers by offering money. Yesterday, an MLA named Lingade was offered Rs 20 crore. How much more do you want?" he said.

Referring to reports about Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's health, Raut said he wished him a speedy recovery but remarked that the political pressure of such activities was taking its toll.

"I have learnt that Eknath Shinde is unwell due to overwork. If he is ill, I pray for his recovery, and along with him, I hope Maharashtra's health also improves," he said.

Raut also criticised what he described as the ruling alliance's pursuit of political power, drawing a parallel with a story by Russian author Leo Tolstoy.

Recalling Tolstoy's famous tale about a greedy farmer, Raut said the story illustrated how unchecked ambition and the inability to know when to stop ultimately lead to destruction.

He said the moral of the story, which is reflected across religions and scriptures, is that endless greed never brings satisfaction.

Using the analogy, Raut alleged that the ruling leadership's continuous attempts to induct legislators and expand its political strength reflected excessive ambition that could ultimately prove self-destructive.