Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has made a series of sensational remarks ahead of the release of his upcoming book Narkatla Swarg (“Heaven in Hell”), which he wrote during his incarceration in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. The book, based on his 100-day jail experience, is scheduled to be released tomorrow and is already drawing attention for its political undertones.
Speaking to the media, Raut described the emotional and political journey behind the book.
“The book Hell, Heaven, which is being released tomorrow, is the very one that sent me to jail. I spent over 100 days in prison. The book reflects the experiences and incidents that took place during that period,” he said.
Raut didn’t shy away from hinting that his arrest was politically motivated.
“Those who sent us to jail out of political revenge — I remembered them during my time in jail. I recalled how we helped them in their difficult times, whether it was Hon. Sharad Pawar Saheb or Hon. Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray. I have witnessed many of these things personally. Some details are confidential, but I’ve only provided a single reference. I could recount many incidents from the past 30–35 years, whether related to Pawar Saheb or Balasaheb.”
The Shiv Sena leader went on to criticize political opponents for turning their backs on the very leaders who had once supported them.
“How could anyone forget the nature of these two great leaders — their willingness to help others, regardless of politics? And yet, we’ve seen attempts to break their parties and erase their legacy. This is how politics repays loyalty — with betrayal. What does the BJP know about this? Where were they then? Go meet Pawar Saheb today and speak to him. The two incidents I’ve written about are 100 percent true,” Raut asserted.
He added that he had exercised restraint in the book despite having much more to reveal.
“I could have written a lot more, and it would have caused an uproar. But since I am a devotee of Lord Ram, I believe in maintaining decorum and restraint. I have been closely associated with Balasaheb Thackeray for a long time. I am a witness to many things — acts of help, significant political developments — but I will never write or speak about them,” Raut said.