Political Tensions Flare: Shinde's Award Sparks Sena-NCP Debate

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) clarifies no resentment towards NCP chief Sharad Pawar after Eknath Shinde receives the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar. This event, occurring at a literary conference, has generated political discourse, particularly with Aaditya Thackeray criticizing Shinde's influence on Maharashtra's politics.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday addressed concerns about any perceived discord with ally NCP, emphasizing respect for Sharad Pawar after the latter awarded the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Raut highlighted the importance of honoring the award's namesake by presenting it as intended.

Raut stated, "There is no resentment towards Pawar Saheb. Respecting him is a matter of honour, and not awarding would be a disrespect to the person whose name the award is given. Pawar Saheb is a father figure for us." He also commented on Maharashtra's political climate, questioning the silence of others when Amit Shah criticized Pawar.

The award presented to Shinde in New Delhi created waves at the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, raising eyebrows as Pawar and Shinde shared the stage. The gathering included senior political figures like Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray vocally criticized Eknath Shinde, accusing him of undermining Maharashtra's industrial progress and splitting Shiv Sena.