Sanjay Raut criticises Centre for raids

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed on Monday that such searches and raids on opposition politicians will continue until 2024, in response to the Enforcement Directorate’s searches at the house of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case.

“Such kind of searches and raids will continue till 2024 against the leaders of the Opposition. We have also given a list of 10-12 people to ED. Central agencies such as ED, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income tax, etc., will continue to come to the leaders of the Opposition,” Raut said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai.

“There were cases of ED against Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and CM Eknath Shinde but ED will not go to them now,” the Shiv Sena leader added.
The ED searches at the premises of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan are being undertaken under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The cases are related to alleged corruption involving illegal appointments to the Delhi Waqf Board, where Khan serves as the chairman. Khan was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in September last year in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board corruption case on the basis of the recovery of alleged incriminating material and evidence. But he was later granted bail.

On being asked about the application submitted to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) by the CM Eknath Shinde for conducting the Dussehra rally in Shivaji Park, Raut said that they should check whether they are real Shiv Sena or not.

“Where is BMC? The administration seated from above, will make the decisions whatever the Chief Minister says. If Eknath Shinde or his party has applied to the BMC Dussehra rally, then before that they should question themselves whether they are the real Shiv Sena or not,” Raut said.