Sanjay Raut Alleges Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar Rejected Eknath Shinde as CM During MVA Formation

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was not allowed to take the top post during the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. His remarks responded to Shinde’s recent statement that he led a rebellion to "free Shiv Sena from Congress' control."

Shinde's Statement Reignites Controversy

Shinde had recently stated that his rebellion was necessary to protect Shiv Sena’s Hindutva ideology and that the party would not have split if Uddhav Thackeray had not become CM. His comments have once again sparked debate over the 2022 split in Shiv Sena.

Reacting to Shinde’s claim, Sanjay Raut said, "The very leaders who are now felicitating Shinde were the ones who opposed his Chief Ministerial post during the MVA formation." He also questioned Shinde’s current political alignment, stating, "You say you freed Shiv Sena from Congress, but what about the party’s stolen symbol that you have now handed over to another party?"

Sharad Pawar Opposed Shinde's CM Candidature while forming MVA

Raut alleged that NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar had opposed Shinde’s appointment as CM, citing his inexperience. He further claimed that Shinde was present in all key MVA meetings and was more focused on securing a ministerial portfolio than ideology.

Raut also blamed the BJP for betraying Shinde, stating that if the 50-50 power-sharing formula had been followed, Shinde would have become CM earlier. "Uddhav Thackeray was honest about the arrangement, but BJP did not keep its word," he added