17 July,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could be moved to the Centre if a Union Cabinet reshuffle takes place in the coming months, adding that a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader could then take over as the state's chief minister.
Raut made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Nagpur ahead of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 'Ram Raksha Andolan', scheduled to be held in the city on July 18.
Responding to questions about reports of possible Cabinet reshuffles at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Raut said the state could witness significant political changes if the exercise takes place.
"If a reshuffle happens at the Centre, Devendra Fadnavis may go there to serve the nation and a senior BJP minister can become the chief minister of Maharashtra," Raut said.
Neither the BJP nor the Maharashtra government has made any announcement regarding a leadership change or Cabinet reshuffle.
Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) has organised the 'Ram Raksha Andolan' in Nagpur to protest the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
He said invitations had been sent to organisations associated with the Hindutva movement, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as well as leaders from different political parties.
"We have requested RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to send his representative if he is not able to come. Similarly, invitations have been sent to the leaders and local MLAs as well to different political parties, including the BJP," he said.
According to Raut, devotees of Lord Ram and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers from across the Vidarbha region, which comprises 11 districts including Nagpur, are expected to participate in the programme.
Raut also expressed support for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for an all-party meeting on the proposed delimitation exercise before the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
"We agree with what he (Kharge) is saying."
The Centre is expected to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill during the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 20. The proposed legislation seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats and initiate the delimitation process.
Responding to questions about climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities, Raut criticised the Centre's response.
He also referred to another protester participating in the fast.
"Is the report of their deteriorating condition not reaching the PM, Home Minister and President Droupadi Murmu? All those in power have lost empathy. Does anyone in the Modi cabinet have the courage to stand for Sonam Wangchuk?," he asked.
Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesters demanding action over the alleged examination irregularities.
Raut's remarks come amid growing political speculation over possible Cabinet changes at both the Centre and in Maharashtra ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
(With inputs from PTI)
