Sanjay Raut, an MP and spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), defended controversial Marathi remarks and alleged that party members were offered inducements to defect.
The statements come as the party faces rumors of an internal split. Raut's accusations of bribery and his criticism of the central government highlight the deepening friction between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking in Mumbai, Raut said that some MPs were offered cash and private jets to switch political sides [3]. These claims are intended to counter narratives regarding a rebellion within the party ranks [2].
Raut also addressed the use of offensive language in Marathi, saying that the terms used are regular language within the regional context [2]. He defended the phrasing as appropriate for the situation, despite the controversy surrounding the remarks [2].
Beyond internal party matters, Raut targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his absence during domestic crises. He questioned the timing and necessity of the prime minister's foreign tours [1, 4, 5].
These public criticisms were part of a series of statements beginning May 18, 2024 [1]. Raut continued to voice these concerns in subsequent statements on the following Monday and Wednesday [3].
The MP said the prime minister's focus on international travel coincided with critical periods of instability and crisis within India [4, 5].
“Sanjay Raut alleged that some MPs were offered cash and private jets to switch political sides.”
These developments signal an attempt by Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership to project unity and resilience against poaching attempts by the BJP. By framing internal instability as the result of external bribery and linking it to the Prime Minister's perceived neglect of domestic affairs, Raut is attempting to shift the political narrative from party fragility to government accountability.
