"Will rise like a phoenix" despite losing party name, says Sanjay Raut
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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut expressed unwavering confidence in the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena.
Despite the significant challenges posed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s split from the party and the loss of the iconic Shiv Sena name and symbol, Raut stated at the NDTV Marathi Conclave that the faction would “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, consisting of Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, is gearing up for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20.
The coalition’s manifesto, focused on improving state finances, fighting corruption, strengthening law and order, and restoring stability, is set to be released after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state on November 4. Raut highlighted issues including job loss among youth, industry flight, and a rise in violence, referencing the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique and alleged ties to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s group.
Raut also criticized the Election Commission, accusing it of bias toward the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
He noted that despite Uddhav Thackeray being a central figure in the Shiv Sena’s foundation, the party name was granted to another faction, with the Supreme Court yet to resolve the Shiv Sena symbol case. Raut argued, “Removing the blindfold of the God of Justice does not mean that everything is going according to the Constitution.”
Raut took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of similar welfare schemes in opposition-led states, calling it a “double standard.” In Maharashtra, a similar program known as the Ladki Bahin Yojana has been implemented to support women’s empowerment through small industries, which Raut argues is essential for building economic independence.
Despite rumors of discord within the MVA coalition, Raut expressed confidence that they would secure at least 20 of the 36 seats in Mumbai. He also dismissed the possibility of Eknath Shinde continuing as Chief Minister, firmly supporting Uddhav Thackeray as the coalition’s top candidate. As Raut concluded, “First, Uddhav Thackeray. Second, Uddhav Thackeray. Third, Uddhav Thackeray.”
