No defenders in Sena, NCP for Raut: BJP

Ashish Shelar says Sanjay Raut has reached the height of mental illness judging by his use of threatening language. File pics

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has lost the backing of his party colleagues and ministers of coalition, because there has been no response to his suggestion that the people in the government should speak up in support of him following the actions from Central agencies.

BJP leader Ashish Shelar said Raut has been left to fend for himself. "Raut fought for the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, but he is alone now. Neither Sena leaders nor the boss of the NCP are speaking in favour of him. We are worried. Unfortunately Raut is alone," said Shelar at the party office.

Rant against ED unfounded

He said Raut's rant against the Enforcement Directorate was unfounded, because when he was speaking and writing every day against the BJP leadership between 2014 and 2021, the agency didn't pursue him. "The ED has reasons other than you speaking against the BJP. The agency is following you because of your cases of corruption," Shelar said.

Raut has alleged in a letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman that the MVA leaders, their families and friends are being systematically targeted by using law enforcing agencies such as the ED against them. He had warned the opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis and others to stop cherry-picking the MVA leaders for the ED's action, or else the ex-CM would not be allowed to travel to Nagpur, because the Sena was Mumbai's dada (dominant force).

Shelar said Raut has reached the height of mental illness. "His use of threatening language was a sign of mental illness, and if he has used that sort of language then he must attempt what he has said." Raut had threatened to enter Devendra Fadnavis's house.

"Does Raut know which party he is affiliated to? He talks of impartiality. Was action against Narayan Rane and Nitesh Rane impartial? Is it not partial the way the Maharashtra police is being used?" asked Shelar.

Conspiracy behind BMC polls delay

Shelar, who heads the BJP's main committee for Mumbai civic elections, alleged a conspiracy in (the decision of) appointing an administrator in the BMC because of the expiry of the house term and delayed polls. "In democracy, the elections should be held on schedule. Postponing polls is akin to betraying the voters who seek answers from the rulers. Why can't polls in BMC and other cities be held when Assembly by-elections, legislative council elections and Rajya Sabha polls were held (during the pandemic)?" he asked.