Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 2: Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut has raised doubts about the longevity of the BJP-led Union government, suggesting that it may not survive beyond 2026. Raut expressed his concerns while addressing a press conference, stating, “I have doubts in my mind about whether the Union government will survive after 2026. If the government is unsettled, it will have an impact on Maharashtra as well.”
Commenting on the speculations about Rajan Salvi potentially leaving the party, Raut clarified that those exiting the Shiv Sena UBT are doing so out of fear of investigation agencies. He added that he had personally spoken to Salvi, who was upset over his election defeat but not due to any ideological differences. “Those leaving the party are only doing so because of the fear of arrest and pressure from investigative agencies. There’s no ideological reason behind their decisions. We’re trying to build a party of fearless individuals who aren’t afraid of government coercion,” Raut emphasized.
The Shiv Sena UBT MP further reiterated that defeat is part of political life and should be accepted. “In politics, defeat is inevitable, and as taught by Balasaheb Thackeray, anyone who fears defeat is not a true Shiv Sainik,” he stated, adding that the party has faced more defeats than victories throughout its history.
Raut also took aim at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of lacking control over his party. “Shinde’s party is not his own; it’s a party of Modi and Shah. Decisions for his party are made by Modi and Shah, but ours is a party we control, and all decisions, including those regarding upcoming municipal and local body elections, will be made within our own party,” Raut asserted.