Mumbai: Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut these days seems to have developed a penchant for stepping on to too many toes all at one time.
This time he has rubbed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar the wrong way. In an recent interview to a newspaper group, Raut termed the NCP leader as a mere stepney (spare wheel) in the government and Uddhav Thackeray was the only able leader to head the state government.
Reacting to the two-day government formed by Devendra Fadnavis with Ajit Pawar, Raut had said, “We were not at all worried. Fadnavis had not taken the wheel of our alliance, but a stepney. I knew that it will fizzle out soon.” This comes just hours after stoking another controversy by asking Udayanraje Bhosle for proofs of being heir of Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj.
Reacting to a question during the interview, Raut has referred to Ajit Pawar as Stepney in the government. He also defended Uddhav Thackeray claiming that he was the only leader who could be the chief minister of the state. The comment has not gone down well with family of Ajit Pawar. His brother Shrinivas Pawar has taken to social media and locked horns with Raut. In a facebook post Shrinivas Pawar said, “Vinashkale viprit buddhi (Sanjay Raut)” (“Lost mind, will lead to disaster”).
Earlier, in the same interview Raut had stirred a hornets nest when he demanded Udayanraje Bhosle proofs of being the heir of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It evoked sharp reactions from across the state and followers of Udayanraje Bhosle took out a rally and enforced a Satara bandh. Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratishthan too gave a call for Sangli Bandh protesting the arrogance of Sanjay Raut.
Sensing the opportunity, the Bharatiya Janata Paty (BJP) too jumped on the bandwagon to slam Shiv Sena and Sanjay Raut. BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Narayn Rane said that Raut has lost mental balance and needs proper medical attention. Interacting with media here, Rane said, “Raut must realize who the real stepney is. Shiv Sena should realize that Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar are actually running the government and Uddhav Thackeray is a mere puppet in their hands. I think Raut has lost mental balance and needs a proper medical help.”
Who is Raut to ask for the proof? What is his locus standi? Uddhav Thackeray must rein him in otherwise we will teach him a lesson for life.” Shiv Sena spokespersons could not be reached for their version.
