Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, known for his sharp political commentary, delivered a striking statement declaring that Eknath Shinde’s “era is over” and that he “will never be Chief Minister again.” His remarks follow the Mahayuti coalition’s landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections and the subsequent delay in government formation.
Allegations of Irregularities and Manipulated Results
Raut alleged that the election results, which granted the Mahayuti alliance a commanding 230 out of 288 seats, were “unnatural” and orchestrated through irregular voting patterns. According to Raut, over 76 lakh votes were cast in Maharashtra between 5 PM and 11:30 PM on polling day, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the process. He accused the ruling coalition of using power and money to influence the election outcome, undermining the democratic process.
“This verdict is against the people’s wishes. It is unnatural and forced. The sudden spike in votes during the final hours is the architect of their victory,” Raut commented, highlighting the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) ongoing review of these irregularities.
Delay in Government Formation Signals Internal Rift
Despite the electoral victory, Raut criticized the Mahayuti alliance for failing to form a government even eight days after the results. He revealed that Eknath Shinde, the caretaker CM, had retreated to his village in Satara during this critical period, suggesting internal discord within the coalition. This has left Maharashtra without a functional government, creating a governance vacuum and raising questions about Shinde’s leadership.
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MVA’s Unified Front
In contrast, Raut praised the unity of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, consisting of Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. Dispelling rumors of divisions within the MVA, he assured that the alliance remains intact and is actively strategizing for future elections.
With the Mahayuti coalition grappling with internal tensions and the MVA stepping up its critique, Maharashtra’s political dynamics remain uncertain. Raut’s statements not only highlight dissatisfaction with Shinde’s leadership but also set the tone for the opposition’s approach to reclaiming political ground.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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