Priyanka Tiwari
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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday alleged that Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde had previously planned to join the Congress party.
Raut did not specify the timeline of this alleged move but linked it to the late Congress leader Ahmed Patel. Speaking on the matter, Raut stated:
"I know what was happening. Ahmed Patel is no longer with us, so I don't want to elaborate further as he is not here to confirm this."
Ahmed Patel, a senior Congress strategist, passed away on November 25, 2020.
When pressed for further clarification, Raut suggested asking senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan about the claim.
Speculation Over Political Realignments in Maharashtra
The speculation about shifting political allegiances intensified during the Holi celebrations, where former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole hinted that Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar (NCP) could join the opposition in exchange for a rotational Chief Ministership.
Reacting to these possibilities, Raut maintained a cautious stance, stating:
"I am speechless. The only thing I can say is that nothing is impossible in politics."
He further recalled how unexpected political events had shaped Maharashtra's governance, including:
- The formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2019.
- The split in Shiv Sena in 2022 leading to an "unconstitutional" government under Eknath Shinde.
- Speculation about Devendra Fadnavis securing an absolute majority in 2024.
Raut's Criticism of Shinde and Ajit Pawar
Sanjay Raut also targeted Shinde and Ajit Pawar, claiming that they have abandoned the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray and are now aligned with the BJP.
"Shinde had nothing to do with the saffron flag of Balasaheb Thackeray. Today, both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are carrying the BJP's flag," Raut alleged.
As Maharashtra politics continues to witness shifting alliances and power struggles, the statements by Raut have added another layer of speculation ahead of the 2024 elections.
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