09 July,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's decision to hold a party meeting in Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's chamber at Vidhan Bhavan has triggered differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioning the move.
Raut criticised Pawar's meeting with Shinde and said senior leaders should avoid giving political legitimacy to those whom the Shiv Sena (UBT) considers responsible for splitting parties.
Speaking at a press conference, Raut said the issue was political and linked to the sentiments of party workers.
Acknowledging Pawar's seniority in politics, Raut said he respected the NCP (SP) chief but disagreed with his decision.
"Sharad Pawar is undoubtedly a towering leader and a highly respected figure. However, holding a party meeting under the roof of a traitor who brought down our government erodes and dilutes the credibility of such a stature. Eknath Shinde has plagued Maharashtra with treachery and corruption. Why did Pawar Saheb choose his chamber for a meeting? Was the entire Vidhan Bhavan deserted? They have the YB Chavan Pratisthan. This is the firm opinion of our loyal grassroots workers."
Raut said the Shiv Sena (UBT) would not hold party meetings in the offices of leaders it accuses of betrayal.
"We will never step into a traitor's office to hold our party meetings. We are not that tolerant, nor do we possess such a large heart. Let those who are big-hearted do as they please, but this is unacceptable to us. Such compromises are precisely why the NCP(SP) loses its credibility among the public."
Raut claimed the issue had caused disappointment within the opposition alliance and said all MVA partners should follow certain political principles.
"Had we been in his position, we would have never held a meeting in Ajit Pawar's chamber either. We would have remembered his betrayal toward Sharad Pawar and maintained political decorum. All constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi must uphold these basic principles," he urged.
Referring to the meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan regarding the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, Raut also questioned the details and outcome of the discussion.
Raut said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had played an important role in raising the border dispute issue and questioned why the party was not involved in the discussions.
"What actually transpired in that meeting remains unknown. How many top leaders of the state did the Chief Minister invite? Shiv Sena UBT is a major political party and a key component of the border-dispute agitation. This case has been pending for decades. What is the solution? What was discussed, and what is the date for the next meeting? These questions remain unanswered. Sharad Pawar going into Eknath Shinde's office and conducting his own party's meeting there is something that has genuinely hurt Shiv Sena UBT," he noted.
Raut accused Pawar of giving political recognition to Shinde despite the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s continued opposition to him.
"Sharad Pawar is giving dignity to traitors, and Shiv Sena is highly restless because of it. If you continue to bestow prestige upon traitors, you lose the moral right to speak out against the defection that took place within your own party."
Questioning Pawar's position on political splits, Raut said, "Ajit Pawar also committed treachery. Why then did you approach the courts and take a stand against him? We are relentlessly fighting against Eknath Shinde -- why are you giving him legitimacy? This has struck a painful chord with us."
He added that his remarks were not personal and that he continued to share a respectful relationship with Pawar.
"My relationship with Sharad Pawar is rooted in deep affection and warmth, but I stand firm when it comes to my party's stance. If veteran leaders continue to dignify traitors, the state's image will inevitably suffer. I can speak to Sharad Pawar at any time, but as a political party, this matter is deeply serious for us. We will never sit under the roof of those who betrayed you."
(With inputs from IANS)
