Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 5: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has taken a dig at NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Baramati following an invitation from Pawar.

Speaking to the media, Raut described Modi as Pawar's "old friend" and questioned the political significance of the prime minister's visit.

"Narendra Modi is coming to Baramati. Ask Pawar about it. Modi is Pawar's old friend," Raut said.

Raut also claimed that Modi was in the final phase of his political career and alleged that he was now meeting old political associates. He also targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while commenting on the political situation.

Raut further criticised Shiv Sena leader Omraje Nimbalkar over an incident during a Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) protest in Pune, where students reportedly opposed his presence.

"Those who went with Eknath Shinde have to face humiliation," Raut said, alleging that money and police protection could not restore a leader's political reputation.

Raut also criticised Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over his visit to Delhi and alleged that state leaders should remain in Maharashtra amid drought, public concerns and allegations of corruption.

"People are on the streets, there is drought in the state and corruption is increasing, while these people are going to Delhi and sitting on the lawns of the Union home minister," Raut said.

He questioned the need for state leaders to travel to Delhi over a single Legislative Council seat and said political leaders should instead visit drought-affected areas and address problems in the state.

Raut also said the Shiv Sena (UBT) would contest two seats in Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, describing the contests as "friendly fights".