Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 5: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his telephone conversation with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, alleging that the Prime Minister was using even a health-related interaction for political purposes. The call has triggered fresh speculation about possible political realignments in Maharashtra, including a potential rapprochement between the NCP factions.
Modi spoke to Pawar on Wednesday to enquire about his health and advised him to take complete rest. According to Pawar's close aide Vitthal Maniyar, the Prime Minister told the veteran leader that his daughter, Supriya Sule, was ready and that she and others would take care of the country while Pawar concentrated on his health.
Pawar was admitted to Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic on November 2 following complaints of cough and chest pain. He was discharged on Wednesday after medical examinations, with doctors describing his condition as stable. He was subsequently admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital for further tests, according to reports.
Reacting to the phone call, Raut accused Modi of creating political confusion by referring to Supriya Sule. He questioned why the Prime Minister had not similarly contacted other senior leaders who were unwell, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.
"Modi does politics even when someone is ill. He creates confusion," Raut said, alleging that the Prime Minister selectively reached out to leaders for political reasons. He maintained that Sharad Pawar and his party would not be influenced by such political overtures.
Raut also dismissed speculation about Pawar's possible entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), insisting that the veteran leader would not fall prey to what he described as political manoeuvres by Modi.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further claimed that a change in the country's political leadership was approaching and predicted that Modi would step down in April or May next year. He also claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could face a similar political challenge, alleging that leaders within the BJP would eventually turn against Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These were Raut's political claims and have not been independently established.
Commenting on international developments, Raut drew comparisons between Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as a political trio. Referring to the US involvement in the conflict, he said people were seeking answers about the country's decision to enter the war. He claimed that politics based on hatred and religious extremism was facing public rejection.
Raut also targeted the Maharashtra government over its decision to allow the appointment of government-nominated directors to large cooperative institutions, including the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, popularly known as Gokul.
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved an amendment allowing five government-nominated directors on the boards of cooperative institutions with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 500 crore. Four of the nominees will have voting rights, while the fifth will be a government official without voting rights. The decision has triggered opposition criticism, particularly after the Congress-backed panel won 13 of the 25 seats in the recent Gokul board election, against 12 secured by the Mahayuti-backed panel.
Raut accused the government of attempting to undermine the mandate of elected representatives and alleged that the move was aimed at handing control of Gokul to interests associated with Gujarat. He claimed that the government was trying to overturn the wishes of the milk producers who had voted in the election.
He questioned the need to appoint additional directors when the elected panel had secured a majority and warned that farmers could take to the streets if their mandate was disregarded. He also criticised Fadnavis and Amit Shah, alleging that the decision reflected an attempt to impose political control over cooperative institutions.
The Gokul controversy has added another flashpoint to the political confrontation between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition in Maharashtra.