Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 5: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP after the Chief Minister referred to the Thackeray brothers as "Ghajini" while downplaying their protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged discrepancies and lack of transparency in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Reacting strongly to Fadnavis' remarks, Raut alleged that the ruling party had "lost its mental balance" and compared the BJP's present situation to what he described as the desperation of the British Empire before its downfall in 1942.

Raut also hit back at the "Ghajini" remark while dismissing the ruling coalition's attempt to downplay the turnout at the 'Garjana Morcha'.

"Supreme Court Justice Ujwal Bhuyan voiced strong concerns about election integrity, noting how wrong it is when millions of citizens lose their right to vote. Will Devendra Fadnavis have the audacity to call a sitting Supreme Court judge 'Ghajini' too? Will Ashish Shelar claim the apex court is merely 'jackal-howling'? The BJP's mental equilibrium has collapsed under public fury," Raut said.

Raut also took a swipe at Fadnavis' political ambitions, claiming that the Chief Minister's political career was on a downward trajectory.

"We try to give him energy by saying he has a future in Delhi, but he keeps damaging himself. He is stuck in the pipeline for a top national role. Once he understands that millions taking to the streets is a revolution rather than whining, only then will he reach the top," Raut said.

Responding to BJP minister Ashish Shelar's description of the protest as 'kolhekui' (jackal-howling), Raut said the ruling party itself was responsible for the comparison.

"They are jackals themselves, which is why all they see is howling. It wasn't a howl; it was a 'Garjana' (Roar) -- the largest anti-election manipulation protest the country has seen," he said.

Raut claimed that the growing opposition mobilisation over the functioning of the Election Commission was causing concern at the Centre.

He said Delhi resembled a military camp, with heavy security deployment, including the BSF and armed personnel, around the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to prevent demonstrations.

Raut also pointed to the participation of senior legal figures, including Kapil Sibal, in the protests and claimed that opposition forces across the country were coming together over what they described as failures in institutional integrity.

He announced that opposition parties from across India would assemble at Parliament's Makar Dwar and march towards the Election Commission office to submit what he described as hard evidence.

Raut also demanded that CEC Gyanesh Kumar come forward and respond to the public instead of "remaining in hiding".

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over his visit to Delhi amid issues facing Maharashtra.

"Maharashtra is reeling under drought and rising corruption, yet the Deputy Chief Minister sits on the lawn of the Home Minister's house in Delhi like a paying guest. Announcing a list of drought-hit talukas and running off to Delhi is the height of shamelessness," Raut said.

Taking aim at MLAs who switched sides, Raut said money could not buy public respect.

"You may get Rs 50 crore or two police escort vehicles ahead and behind, but public sentiment cannot be bought. When students call out 'gaddar' (traitor), it is the genuine voice of the people," he said.