Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar during a press conference held in Mumbai. Raut raised pointed questions about Ajit Pawar’s involvement in the Malegaon Sugar Factory and criticized the state government for abandoning pre-election promises.
“Where will the Finance Minister get ₹500 crore from if he becomes the chairman of the Malegaon sugar factory?” Raut asked, casting doubt on the source of such a large fund and questioning the ethical implications of the move.
Raut accused the Mahayuti government of betraying the trust of Maharashtra’s farmers and women. “Before elections, they promised ₹2,100 per month to our beloved sisters and a complete loan waiver for farmers. But since coming to power, all promises have been forgotten,” Raut said.
He also highlighted the rising number of farmer suicides in the state, stating, “Over 2,000 farmers have committed suicide since this government took office. How long will the government wait — for 1 lakh more deaths? When will the loan waiver be announced?”
Calling the current administration a “government that feeds off the pain of the dead,” Raut’s remarks were sharply critical. He accused Ajit Pawar of being preoccupied with the Malegaon Sugar Factory elections in Baramati for the past 15 days, ignoring critical state matters in the process.
“He has no money for crucial development work, yet he claims he will generate ₹500 crore by heading a sugar factory. Where will this money come from?” Raut questioned, suggesting ulterior motives and financial opacity.
The remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political tensions between the opposition and the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra.