Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 16: Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has triggered a fresh controversy by alleging that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde had once attempted to join the Congress.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Raut claimed, “Of course, he (Shinde) was moving towards Congress. You can ask Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.” He further added that late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who passed away in 2020, had held early morning meetings in Delhi regarding Shinde's political moves.

The timing of Raut’s claim suggests that the alleged discussions happened well before Shinde’s 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena. Supporting Raut’s statement, Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve added, “There was some talk of this even when the BJP-Sena government was in power.”

However, senior Congress leaders remained non-committal. While former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan refused to comment, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated, “I don’t know about the past, but one can’t predict the future.”

Shinde camp dismisses allegations

Shinde’s camp has dismissed Raut’s claims as baseless. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske took a jibe at Raut, saying, “The effect of the bhang (intoxicant) he consumed for Holi has still not worn off. If they didn’t trust Eknath Shinde, why was he made the urban development minister and given the responsibility of election strategy?”

State social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat also downplayed Raut’s remarks, stating, “We don’t take his statements seriously.”

BJP’s response

The BJP chose to stay away from the controversy. Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “Our priority is the development of the state.”

With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, Raut’s remarks have added fuel to Maharashtra’s already charged political atmosphere.