Sanjay Raut Accuses Eknath Shinde of Buying Corporators with Municipal Funds

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, alleging large-scale corruption and misuse of municipal funds. Amid heavy rains that disrupted life in Mumbai and submerged parts of the metro line, Raut accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of political and financial misconduct.

Speaking to the media, Raut claimed, “The metro line that was submerged yesterday is symbolic of the deep corruption in this government. The ruling party has taken a commission of ₹1,500 crore from the metro works alone. Since they took control of Mumbai three and a half years ago, they have siphoned off nearly ₹35,000 crore in commissions.”

Raut made serious allegations against CM Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Ashish Shelar, stating, “Eknath Shinde and others bought corporators using that very money. Why haven't local body elections been held? Why hasn’t power been handed over to elected representatives? Ashish Shelar must answer.”

He further alleged that the hurried inauguration of the metro was politically motivated. “The metro collapsed because it was built with corrupt money and inaugurated in a rush just for political mileage. And now, they blame us for the city's failures.”

Criticizing national leaders, Raut questioned the silence of central figures. “Where are the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defense Minister while Mumbai is drowning? For the last 3–4 years, the rulers have done nothing but loot.”

In a sharp political jibe, he said, “They accuse Uddhav Thackeray, but it is they who should be ashamed. When Mumbai was under water, Fadnavis and Amit Shah were playing political games.”

Raut also alleged bias in awarding contracts, stating, “Despite not being responsible for the metro project, its contractors were all from Gujarat. Rules were tweaked to award ₹4,500 crore worth of Mumbai Municipal Corporation contracts to three major contractors from Ahmedabad.”

He concluded by asserting that he would soon provide more detailed evidence to back his claims.

These statements have intensified the political battle in Maharashtra, with the opposition accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement ahead of crucial local body elections. The ruling coalition is yet to officially respond to Raut’s accusations.