Will Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray Unite? Sanjay Raut Shares His Perspective
Will Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray Unite? Sanjay Raut Shares His Perspective
Pimpri-Chinchwad: The possibility of a reunion between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray remains uncertain, according to MP Sanjay Raut. Speaking in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Raut emphasized that while this question remains unanswered, one thing is clear: “We will never align with those who are enemies of Maharashtra. This is a matter of our pride.” He also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of “exploiting Maharashtra for Gujarat’s benefit.”
BJP’s Alleged Divide-and-Rule Strategy
Raut alleged that the BJP has developed a penchant for splitting political parties. He predicted that leaders like Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar might also face party divisions orchestrated by the BJP.
Electoral Strategy and Party Stance
Addressing the upcoming municipal elections, Raut stated that despite past defeats, their party would fight with full strength. He clarified that their call for contesting independently in Mumbai does not signal a break in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Instead, it reflects the Shiv Sena’s stronghold in Mumbai and the sentiment of party workers who wish to contest independently in their bastion.
However, regarding Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Raut acknowledged that decisions on alliances would depend on discussions among the three MVA parties.
Comments On Eknath Shinde and BJP’s Influence
Raut criticized the BJP’s control over Eknath Shinde, noting, “Shinde contested the elections under BJP’s leadership. Despite promises of the Chief Minister’s post for 2024, he had no option but to follow BJP’s orders. His decision to join the government was a means to protect himself from legal cases.”
He further remarked that BJP’s central leadership plays a decisive role in Maharashtra’s politics, leaving leaders like Shinde with no alternatives. Raut also suggested that the BJP’s strategy of splitting parties, as seen with the original Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is far from over.
The Future Of Maharashtra Politics
Raut concluded with a grim prediction: “As long as the BJP is in power, their appetite for dividing parties will continue. Their divide-and-rule approach is a strategy they are unlikely to abandon anytime soon.”
