‘No abusive language, this is how it’s used in Maharashtra’: Sanjay Raut amid row over his remarks against rebel UBT MPs
Responding to questions on allegations of abusive language, Raut told ANI: “There is no abusive language. This is how it is used in Marathi. This is how it is used in Maharashtra. This is our normal language. Language that should be used should be used. Understandable language should be used. I know which language should be used and when. I am the editor of Saamna. I know the language.”
Also Read: Shiv Sena (UBT) divide deepens as Sanjay Raut claims Maharashtra MPs offered Rs 50 crore each to switch sides
He also questioned concerns about parliamentary etiquette and ethics, arguing that strong measures should be taken against wrongdoing.
“Language is not used in the Parliament. If someone is dishonest, what will you do? You will punish him. If a corrupt person takes 15 crore rupees and leaves the party, what will you do? Will you punish him? Tell me.”
Raut also commented on the ongoing speculations regarding internal dissent within the Shiv Sena (UBT), saying that the party will continue to resist any attempt to weaken it. “We will continue to fight as long as they have the capacity to do this to us,” he said.
On reports of a possible split and his interaction with the Lok Sabha Speaker, Raut clarified that he had only made a written statement regarding media reports. “I didn’t say anything. I just went to see the news. That someone left our party and founded a new party. This is wrong. I also gave a letter to the Speaker of the Parliament. Would such a person come to you? I warned you. So pay attention to the rules and regulations. Take care of God Almighty.” That’s the court’s decision.”
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.”
He had earlier hurled insults at rebel MPs in the party at a press conference and asked the media not to interrupt his comments.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital along with party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, Raut had warned that those who want to leave the party should first resign from their posts.
“If anyone wants to leave, they can resign and leave. If such news comes out about our MPs, they should deny it. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” he said.
Party MP Anil Desai backed Rajya Sabha MP Raut immediately after his offensive remarks against suspected rebel MPs and said that what was said in press conferences was slang and not directed at anyone in particular.
“No matter what is said, it is slang, it is not directed at anyone in particular. This is what happens when an emotionally sensitive person who has spent 50 years of his life in politics and in the public arena speaks. He also clarified that he was not addressing anyone.”
His remarks came at a time of intense political speculation over the future of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra; Reports suggested that some of the party’s MPs might leave. However, no official statement was made regarding any split.
Maharashtra is currently witnessing ‘Operation Tiger’ rumors amid speculation that seven out of nine UBT MPs are in touch with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and want to join the ruling party. In 2022, Shinde left Uddhav Thackeray along with several MLAs, splitting the party in two.
