Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut accused a Rs 150 crore deal influencing withdrawals in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. Raut claimed that key candidates were paid around Rs 25 crore each to step back from the race. The alleged financial transaction occurred at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai, leading to withdrawals in Raigad and Sambhajinagar.
Raut disclosed that unauthorized actions prompted the expulsion of Bala Mane and Devayani Dongaonkar from the Shiv Sena. Mane’s sudden withdrawal from Raigad-Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency left the party without a candidate. Similarly, Dongaonkar withdrew from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna seat, leading to her expulsion as well.
Expressing dismay over the situation, Raut criticized the withdrawal of nominations without party consent. He emphasized the need to uphold party discipline and condemned attempts to manipulate the electoral process. The developments have sparked a political confrontation between the opposition and the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
