Sanjay Raut : Plan to Stop Thackeray Brothers' Rally in Mumbai? Sanjay Raut Alleges Obstruction at Shivaji Park
Sanjay Raut on Thackeray Brothers : As the political atmosphere heats up against the backdrop of the state municipal elections, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction MP Sanjay Raut has launched serious allegations against the ruling party. He has claimed that deliberate obstruction regarding Shivaji Park ground is being done by the ruling faction to prevent the possible joint meeting of the two Thackeray brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, in Mumbai.
Sanjay Raut stated that the historic Shivaji Park ground in Mumbai has already been 'occupied' for holding meetings, and even though there is no actual event there, the ground is not being made available. He alleged, “The monstrous intent behind this is to prevent the Shiv Sena-MNS grand alliance from holding a meeting.”
Allegation of irregularities in the election process
Sanjay Raut also strongly criticized the election process. It was claimed that tokens were distributed in exchange for money in the Colaba constituency, but some candidates were not allowed to file nominations.
He alleged that even though Shiv Sena and MNS candidates were standing in line, their nominations were not accepted due to the intimidation of the Assembly Speaker.
Accusing the Election Commission of turning a blind eye to all these matters, he questioned, “Is the Election Commission working as an agent of the ruling party?” Mentioning that elections are being held unopposed in as many as 70 places in the state, he noted that such a situation was never seen during the times of veteran leaders like George Fernandes, Ahilya Rangnekar, Mrinal Gore, and Manohar Joshi.
Suspicion on Mayor Reservation
With only a few days left for the election results, the delay in announcing the reservation for the mayor's post has been alleged to be part of a planned conspiracy. "Has it already been decided who will become the mayor where?" This question was raised, and it was also criticized that the election commission is waiting for calls from ruling party leaders to make a decision.
Controversy over statement on Shivaji Maharaj
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut expressed strong anger over the statement made by a central minister about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a gathering in Surat. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj does not belong to any one community, he is the deity of the entire Maharashtra and Hindavi Swarajya,” he said, asserting that the attempt to confine Shivaji Maharaj to a caste is an insult to Maharashtra and the Marathi people.
Joint Interview of Thackeray Brothers, Preparation for the Rally
Against this backdrop, the much-discussed joint interview of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray is being recorded today, and it will focus on the development of Mumbai and Maharashtra, as clarified by Raut. However, he maintained the allegation that deliberate obstacles are being created by the authorities regarding when and where to hold the joint rally in Mumbai.
“We know when and where to hold the rally. Attempts are being made to suppress the democratic voice by placing stones on the grounds and blocking permissions. But everything has an end,” warned Sanjay Raut.