Shillong, July 3: The aftermath of the recent political upheaval in Maharashtra continues to hang in the air as the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi gears up for a battle with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief Spokesperson, Sanjay Raut. Raut boldly predicts that the state will soon witness a change in leadership.
In a press conference on Monday, Raut asserted that the days of Shiv Sena CM Eknath Shinde are numbered, a sentiment shared even by their ally, the BJP.
“Shinde is, at best, a temporary guest. The Speaker’s decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs, including Shinde, is imminent. The BJP has come to realize that Shinde’s usefulness has expired, and the NCP’s split is an attempt to safeguard their position in the future,” stated Raut.
The Sena (UBT) leader went on to emphasize that Ajit Pawar has become the Deputy CM for an unprecedented fifth time, but his aspirations reach higher, aiming for the position of CM.
“Following the Speaker’s ruling, there will be a change in leadership in the state, and Ajit Pawar has made a deal for the top post. Maharashtra will soon witness the appointment of a new CM,” reiterated Raut.
Raut also highlighted how the BJP has been shaken by its defeat in the May elections in Karnataka, as well as recent surveys indicating a bleak future for the party in Maharashtra whenever the next elections are held.
“All of these maneuvers are aimed at salvaging their position in the state. First, they broke the Shiv Sena, and now they have splintered the NCP. However, the people of Maharashtra are closely observing these actions and will not spare them,” declared Raut.
Expressing his disappointment, Raut criticized the government’s insensitivity towards the tragic Buldhana bus accident that claimed the lives of 25 individuals from different parts of the state. On Sunday (July 2), their bodies were being cremated in a mass ceremony in Buldhana.
“While their funeral pyres were burning, there were celebrations, handshakes, and hugs in Mumbai’s Raj Bhavan, where the new Deputy CM and Ministers were being sworn in. This behavior was inappropriate; they should have at least waited for the cremations to conclude before indulging in their festivities,” remarked Raut.