Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut launched a verbal attack on Lok Sabha MP Omraje Nimbalkar, calling him a “notorious traitor.” Raut accused Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of weakening Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Raut criticized turncoats for lacking ideological principles and being driven solely by self-interest. Nimbalkar’s decision to switch camps despite efforts by Thackeray loyalists angered Raut. He dismissed Nimbalkar’s call for supporters not to criticize the Thackeray family as hypocritical.
Raut claimed that the party leadership was aware of a financial betrayal involving Nimbalkar. He alleged that Uddhav Thackeray had detailed information about money transactions on Nimbalkar’s behalf. Raut emphasized that splitting the Shiv Sena would damage Maharashtra’s pride and accused Eknath Shinde of being influenced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Raut highlighted internal divisions within the ruling coalition following the Nashik Legislative Council election. He revealed that BJP rebel Gokul Gite’s victory over Shinde’s candidate indicated internal discontent. Raut alleged a larger political conspiracy orchestrated by the central BJP leadership to weaken Fadnavis.
Raut criticized Delhi for supporting Shinde to undermine Fadnavis’ authority. He claimed that this move aimed to weaken Maharashtra’s bargaining power and benefit select industrialists. Raut emphasized that Shiv Sena would take a stand if Fadnavis’ position was threatened by external forces.
