Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena UBT leader and MP, has stirred controversy within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the candidacy for Lok Sabha Speaker. The Telugu Desam Party, part of the NDA, has expressed interest in the Speaker’s post, prompting criticism from Raut directed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The role of Lok Sabha Speaker holds immense significance,” remarked Sanjay Raut, referring to past political maneuvers. “In Maharashtra’s Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narvekar acted as a BJP agent, resulting in a contentious split within Shiv Sena, deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Similar repercussions could arise if the BJP assumes the Speaker’s chair in the Lok Sabha,” Raut alleged.
Raut continued by predicting potential fractures within the NDA coalition. “If Chandrababu Naidu assumes the Speaker’s role, deals have been struck. Failure to appoint an NDA candidate could lead to fractures within parties supporting the government—starting with Telugu Desam Party, Chirag Paswan, and Nitish Kumar,” he asserted.
Reflecting on recent political meetings, Raut raised concerns about internal BJP processes. “It’s notable that Narendra Modi was elected leader in the NDA meeting, not the BJP parliamentary party meeting. This distinction raises serious questions about Modi’s tenure,” Raut remarked. “Modi’s leadership in NDA meetings versus BJP’s parliamentary party meetings underscores his temporary role as Prime Minister,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Raut expressed conditional support for Chandrababu Naidu’s candidacy. “If Chandrababu Naidu steps forward as a candidate for Speaker, UBT will consider supporting him,” Raut affirmed.