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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader says, “Shinde has doubts that he may have to step down from the CM chair soon. Government is unstable… The rebel MLAs have started thinking they are above everyone …”

In an interview to The Indian Express, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut clarifies that the MVA stands united and that “Sharad Pawar will never join the BJP”. He also speaks of the INDIA meeting in Mumbai scheduled for August 31 and September 1. In an interview to The Indian Express, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut clarifies that the MVA stands united and that “Sharad Pawar will never join the BJP”. He also speaks of the INDIA meeting in Mumbai scheduled for August 31 and September 1.

A meeting between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar and his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar set the political sphere in the state abuzz this week, giving rise to concern among his allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) about what Pawar was up to and if they were in for a rude shock. Pawar was quick to clarify that he would never join hands with the BJP but some in the MVA for the Congress did not accept his clarification.

Excerpts:

Sharad Pawar met Ajit Pawar recently. Do you have any concerns?

I can say that Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Ajit Pawar will have no impact on the MVA and INDIA alliances. Ajit Pawar has zero influence without the backing of Sharad Pawar. His (Ajit’s) case is similar to (Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde and others who split from the (undivided) Shiv Sena. What strength do they have?

They (the Shiv Sena led by Shinde) are now using (Shiv Sena founder) Bal Thackeray’s name and asking for votes. If one really has strength, they should form their own party.

After the split in the Shiv Sena, (former CM) Uddhav Thackeray and Shinde did not meet. But Sharad Pawar unlike us keeps communication channels open. But I am sure he will try to defeat all those who went with Ajit Pawar. I know him well.

Has Uddhav Thackeray spoken to Sharad Pawar on the matter?

Yes, they talk often.

Why do you think Ajit Pawar split the NCP?

For the same reason that some (undivided) Shiv Sena MPs went (to the Shinde Sena). As Sharad Pawar said recently, the ED (Enforcement Directorate) decides which leader will stay and which leader will move.

All of Maharashtra, and even Pawar saheb, had an idea about Ajit joining the Shinde and (Deputy CM Devendra) Fadnavis government. Why should we stop them? They decided out of fear and selfishness.

There is talk that Sharad Pawar has given his tacit support to Ajit Pawar. What do you think?

I do not think that is the case. However, all of the leaders who went with Ajit informed Sharad Pawar. They told him that they were scared and that action was being initiated against them and their family members. They urged Sharad Pawar to merge the NCP with the BJP. However, he did not accept it. He said these leaders could leave and that he would rebuild the party.

Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narvekar is yet to decide on the disqualification of 16 MLAs from the Shinde Sena. How do you perceive the delay?

This is an indication that they (the Shinde Sena) do not care about the Supreme Court. If the Speaker is not going to follow the SC orders, what can we expect? Delaying tactics are being used. This government is not running as per the Constitution.

What is your assessment of CM Shinde’s government so far?

There is a phrase in Marathi — ek full, don half (one full, two halves). The CM is an example. He is doubtful more than anything else. He has doubts that he may have to step down from the CM seat soon. How will the state run in such a situation? The government is unstable. The rebel MLAs have started thinking they are above everyone in the government. They are threatening ministers and officials.

Have the rebel MLAs or MPs tried to contact you or Uddhav Thackeray?

They will not dare to do that. Our party is not waiting for someone. The door to the Shiv Sena (UBT) is shut for them as there is no place for dishonest people here.

Will you accept a rebel Sena MLA who wishes to come back?

They should first apologise to Maharashtra and Balasaheb Thackeray. We will see after that.

You were arrested by the ED last year. Were there any warnings before the arrest?

Yes, there were many messages and warnings. They wanted me to join Eknath Shinde and other rebel leaders. I said no and was raided within two days. I knew that there would be attempts to suppress my voice.

What is the agenda for the INDIA meeting in Mumbai?

The first two INDIA meetings happened in Bihar and Karnataka. Both these states are ruled by constituents of the alliance (the Janata Dal United and the Congress) and that is why everything went smoothly.

But there is a challenge in Maharashtra. Still, we (MVA) are hosting the meeting. It is important to show that we (the INDIA alliance) are together after the toppling of the (MVA) government in Maharashtra.

A national agenda will be discussed. The convener of the alliance will also be talked about. But a common minimum programme is not acceptable to us. There are many issues in this country that need to be spoken about, such as education, alleviation of poverty, and internal and external security.

Who will be the PM face of the INDIA alliance?

The choice for a PM face comes from the people. The Opposition has come together under the INDIA umbrella and will contest the elections together.

First published on: 19-08-2023 at 08:00 IST

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Sanjay Raut interview: ‘Ajit has zero influence without Sharad Pawar’s backing… Unlike us, NCP chief likes to keep communication channels open…’ | Political Pulse News