Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised strong objections to the reported alliance between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in the Kalyan-Dombivli region, describing the development as “serious and troubling” and warning that it amounts to an ideological breach rather than a routine local arrangement.
Speaking to the media, Raut said MNS chief Raj Thackeray is deeply disturbed by the developments and is upset over decisions allegedly taken without regard for the party’s core principles. “Such alliances cannot be dismissed as local-level decisions when they strike at the ideological foundation of a party,” Raut said.
Reiterating Shiv Sena (UBT)’s position, Raut said there can be no political or personal association with those whom he accused of betraying Maharashtra, Balasaheb Thackeray, and the Marathi identity. “Power comes and goes. We are not desperate for power. Our stand is clear—we will not support or enable traitors in any form,” he asserted.
Raut rejected the argument that the Kalyan-Dombivli tie-up was merely a local decision, stating that if local leadership takes steps that contradict party ideology, the central leadership must intervene firmly. “If required, suspensions must follow. Calling it a local decision does not end the matter,” he said.
Drawing a parallel, Raut cited the Congress party’s action in Ambernath, where leaders were suspended for aligning with the BJP against the party line. He argued that similar disciplinary standards must apply across parties to protect ideological consistency.
Taking a sharp swipe at the Shinde faction, Raut said that while some may debate whether the MNS is comparable to AIMIM, for Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shinde group represents betrayal of Maharashtra and Marathi interests. “Anyone who aligns with them inevitably carries the same label,” he said.
Raut also criticised what he termed growing political opportunism, alleging that leaders who defect after being elected on a particular symbol must be dealt with strictly to send a clear message across the state. He warned that repeated defections, often justified in the name of development, weaken democratic norms.
Expressing anger over defections driven by fear or self-interest, Raut said Maharashtra would not forgive leaders who abandon principles simply because they failed to secure power. While acknowledging that some politicians may face pressure from investigative agencies, he said surrendering ideology for personal relief is unacceptable. Referring to his own experience, Raut said he faced investigations and health challenges without compromising on values.
According to Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has taken the issue seriously, and discussions have been held with Raj Thackeray. He described the situation as symptomatic of political instability, where some leaders adopt a “give me what I want or I leave” approach.
Raut reiterated that Raj Thackeray has made it clear that decisions taken for personal gain do not reflect the official stance of the MNS. “It is impossible to satisfy everyone’s demands. Expecting immediate rewards or threatening defection reflects political and mental instability,” he said, calling for strict action against such tendencies.
While noting that similar incidents may not occur in Mumbai, Raut said what transpired in Kalyan-Dombivli was deeply unfortunate and should serve as a warning against normalising ideological compromises.
