Sanjay Raut Criticizes Shinde's Betrayal in Mumbai Civic Elections

Sanjay Raut denounces Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, blaming him for enabling BJP's victory in Mumbai's civic elections. Despite retaining central Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) lost control. Raut highlighted the betrayal of Marathi interests and vowed resistance to BJP's dominance under the new mayor.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut launched a scathing criticism of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of betraying the Marathi community by facilitating the BJP's victory in the Mumbai civic elections. The BJP plans to install its mayor with support from the Shiv Sena in the newly-formed alliance.

The BJP-Shiv Sena coalition ended the long-standing dominance of the Thackeray family in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, winning 89 out of 227 seats. The opposition, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, collectively won 71 seats. Acknowledging shifts in political dynamics, Raut vowed to prevent any actions against Mumbai's interests by the new alliance.

Raut emphasized the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s success in retaining its traditional strongholds despite losing overall control. He asserted that the opposition could have secured more seats, thwarting BJP's mayoral ambitions. Raut criticized Eknath Shinde for splitting the Shiv Sena in 2022 and expressed confidence that the political landscape would soon change again.

(With inputs from agencies.)