Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut defended his offensive language against rebel MPs, calling it "regular usage in Maharashtra." He addressed rumors of a party split, stating he submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker to prevent any breakaway group.
'This is Our Regular Language': Raut Defends Offensive Remarks
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday defended his offensive language against the rebel MPs during a press interaction, saying that such expressions are part of "regular usage in Maharashtra" and asserting that he is aware of the appropriate language to be used in different contexts. Responding to questions over allegations of abusive language, Raut told ANI, "No abusive language. This is how it is used in Marathi. This is how it is used in Maharashtra. This is our regular language. The language that should be used, should be used. The language that is understood should be used. And when and which language should be used, I know. I am the editor of the Saamna. I know the language."
He further questioned concerns around parliamentary decorum and ethics, arguing that strong action should be taken against wrongdoing. He added, "The language is not used in Parliament. If someone is dishonest, what will you do with him? You will punish him. If someone is corrupt, he takes 15 crore rupees and leaves the party, what will you do with him? Will you punish him? Tell me."
Addresses Shiv Sena (UBT) Split Rumours
Raut also commented on the ongoing speculation over internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT), saying the party would continue to resist any attempts that weaken it. "As long as they have the capacity to do this to us... we will keep fighting," he said.
On reports of a possible split and his interaction with the Lok Sabha Speaker, Raut clarified that he had only submitted a written representation regarding media reports. He said, "I didn't talk about anything. I just went to see the news that was coming. That someone is separating from our party and making a new one. This is wrong. So, I gave a letter to the Speaker. Does anyone like this come to you? I have given a caveat. So, take care of the rules and regulations. Take care of the Supreme Court's ruling. That's all."
Addressing questions on whether any MPs had formally communicated dissent, he added, "No one has officially communicated with us. Yes. We have called for a party meeting tomorrow. We have called everyone."
'Slang, Not Meant for Anyone': Colleague Backs Raut
Earlier, in a press interaction, he hurled abuses at party rebel MPs, asking the media not to cut out his comments. Speaking at a press conference in the national capital along with party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, Raut had warned that those wishing to leave the party should first resign from their posts. "If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent," he said.
Soon after his offensive remarks at suspected rebel MPs, party MP Anil Desai backed the Rajya Sabha MP Raut and said that whatever is said in the press conferences is slang, it is not meant for anyone in particular. He added, "Whatever is said, these are slang; it is not meant for anyone particularly. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics in the public sphere, speaks, such things happen. He also clarified that he wasn't addressing any particular person."
'Operation Tiger' Buzz Amid Political Speculation
His remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra over the future of Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports suggesting that a section of the party's MPs may break away. However, no official announcement regarding any split has been made.
Maharashtra is currently witnessing "Operation Tiger" buzz amid speculation that seven of the nine UBT MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and are looking to join the ruling party. Back in 2022, Shinde, along with several MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the party into two. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)