‘Power can come and go…party’s reputation paramount’ — Sena’s Raut hints at assembly dissolution

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also told mediapersons that his party won’t let BJP’s ‘dream be fulfilled’. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has also convened a Cabinet meeting.

File photo of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut | ANI

Mumbai: “Power can come and go. Max to max, what will happen, we won’t be in power. But won’t let BJP’s dream be fulfilled. Party’s reputation is paramount,” senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told mediapersons Wednesday, in what is being interpreted in political circles as an indication of the ruling party losing hope, with rebel leader Eknath Shinde camping in BJP-ruled Assam along with a majority of its MLAs.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has convened a Cabinet meeting amid speculation about him exploring the option of dissolving the state assembly.  

While speaking to the media, Raut also said that attempts are on to bring back Shinde, who has claimed to have the support of 45 of the Sena 55 MLAs. However, amid the political crisis unfurling in the state, he posted a tweet hinting at a dissolution of the state assembly.

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महाराष्ट्रातील राजकीय घडामोडींचा प्रवास विधान सभा बरखास्तीचया दिशेने..

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 22, 2022

Eknath Shinde and other MLAs are currently in Guwahati, where they shifted overnight from Gujarat’s Surat. Raut said he spoke with Shinde Wednesday morning and is trying to convince him.

“He is a true Shivsainik and a friend. We have worked together for many years. So it is not easy to break away. I am confident he will come back,” the senior Sena leader told mediapersons. 

In a telephonic interview with ThePrint, Shinde too stated that he isn’t breaking away from the Shiv Sena, but wants to continue on the path of Hindutva shown by party founder Bal Thackeray. 

(Edited by Gitanjali Das)