Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has made explosive revelations in his forthcoming book Narkatla Swarg (“Heaven in Hell”), written during his time in Arthur Road Jail. The book is scheduled to be released tomorrow and is already generating political buzz for its bold claims about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
According to Raut, the book contains detailed accounts of the support extended by the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray to both Modi and Shah during politically turbulent times. He claims that Balasaheb played a crucial role in shielding the two leaders during the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The book alleges that when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and faced possible arrest during the UPA government’s tenure, it was NCP chief Sharad Pawar who opposed the move.
“The responsibility of action was on Modi, and there was a real threat of arrest. But Pawar stated in a cabinet meeting that arresting a democratically elected Chief Minister was not right. Everyone silently agreed, and Modi was spared. How long did Modi remember this favor?” Raut questions in the book.
The book also narrates a dramatic account of Amit Shah’s legal troubles during the same period.
“Amit Shah was an accused in a murder case and was even deported. The CBI was strongly opposed to granting him bail, and a Maharashtra cadre officer was part of the investigation team. But with the intervention of Sharad Pawar, Shah was granted bail,” Raut writes.
Perhaps the most striking revelation in Narkatla Swarg is about Balasaheb Thackeray’s alleged direct help to Amit Shah.
“Shah was in deep trouble after the Gujarat riots. Someone suggested he approach Balasaheb Thackeray. Shah arrived at Mumbai airport with his son Jay Shah and headed to Kalanagar, but was stopped at the gate. The next day, Balasaheb gave him time in the evening, and Shah visited Matoshree,” Raut recounts.“A single phone call from Balasaheb changed the course of events and saved Amit Shah. But how much has he remembered and respected Balasaheb’s gesture?” Raut asks in the book.