The political tension between the Shiv Sena factions continues to escalate, with Uddhav Thackeray group leader and MP Sanjay Raut launching a sharp attack on Shinde camp MLA Sanjay Shirsat. Responding to Shirsat's earlier jibe, Raut compared him to a student who “passes by copying,” calling his statements dishonest and misleading.
Raut's remarks came during a press conference, where he responded aggressively to questions regarding Shirsat’s claim that “Raut always lies” and that “everyone writes lies, at least write one thing truthfully.” In a direct rebuttal, Raut said, “Sanjay Shirsat is one of those students who pass by copying. His political success too has come the same way—by copying others.”
He further alleged that Shirsat was lying about receiving calls from Uddhav Thackeray. “He’s making false claims to stay relevant. There’s no truth in what he says,” Raut asserted.
Commenting on the current political atmosphere, Raut accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “hijacking” the Maharashtra Assembly elections. He echoed sentiments expressed by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in a recent article, stating, “What Rahul Gandhi has written reflects the exact situation we’re facing. The BJP has built its foundation on lies and political theft.”
The exchange of words between Raut and Shirsat is seen as part of the ongoing cold war between the Shiv Sena factions and their respective alliances—Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Mahayuti.
In the same press interaction, Raut was questioned about a recent incident in Ghatkopar, where a Gujarati family reportedly assaulted a Marathi family. However, Raut chose not to comment on the increasing influence of migrants in Mumbai, a subject that has historically been sensitive in Maharashtrian politics.
The verbal duel between Raut and Shirsat reflects the deepening political divide in the state, where personal attacks and ideological clashes continue to dominate the narrative.