Raut Labels Shinde as Modern-Day Jaichand, Criticizes BJP's Rise in Mumbai

Sanjay Raut criticized Eknath Shinde for betraying the Shiv Sena, which he claims enabled the BJP to claim the mayoral seat in Mumbai. Drawing a parallel to Jaichand, Raut emphasized Shinde's role in the revolt against Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in a significant shift in the 2022 BMC elections.

Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena (UBT), has vehemently criticized Eknath Shinde, framing him as a modern-day Jaichand, a historical figure synonymous with betrayal. According to Raut, Shinde's actions unequivocally paved the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to secure the mayoral seat in Mumbai.

Raut's comments come in the aftermath of the BMC election results, where the BJP secured 89 seats, significantly outpacing their ally Shiv Sena's 29 until sealing the majority. The once indomitable Shiv Sena controlled the BMC uninterrupted from 1997 to 2022, now faces a redefined political landscape.

Raut's post on platform X emphasizes that Eknath Shinde, along with 39 MPs, played a pivotal role in revolting against party leadership under Uddhav Thackeray, effectively dismantling his government in 2022. The controversial political maneuver has since been a point of contention within the party and its demographic base.

(With inputs from agencies.)