Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, alleging that internal differences within the ruling alliance could lead to violence during the upcoming assembly elections. Raut claimed that there could be “bloodshed” over ticket distribution among alliance members, given the ongoing tensions.
“There is a government running in Maharashtra which is torn apart by internal differences. Whether it’s in Mumbai, Thane, or Nashik, the situation is the same,” Raut stated, criticizing the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance. He further accused the government of being “unconstitutional” and warned that the issue of ticket distribution could lead to conflicts within the alliance.
The remarks come even as the Election Commission has yet to announce the schedule for the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. However, Raut alleged that the BJP is “pressurizing” the Election Commission to delay polls in these states, particularly in Jharkhand, to weaken Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s party.
Raut’s comments also touched on rumors that former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren might leave the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and join the BJP. He accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the political landscape in Jharkhand by “postponing elections” and undermining the Soren-led government.
Meanwhile, Raut reaffirmed the unity of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition—comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP), and the Congress Party—which aims to challenge the ruling alliance in Maharashtra in the upcoming polls.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains tense as both the ruling and opposition coalitions gear up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election season.