18 May,2026 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ongoing foreign tour, questioning his absence during what he described as a period of domestic and economic challenges in the country, reported ANI.
Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Raut also targeted the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra over VIP convoys, rising public inconvenience, the NEET controversy and recent political developments involving industrialist Gautam Adani.
Raut alleged that the country was facing multiple crises while the Prime Minister remained abroad on an extended diplomatic tour, reported ANI.
"Where is Modi? He is on a foreign tour," Raut said while accusing the BJP leadership of focusing more on international events than domestic concerns, reported ANI.
He also questioned the government's handling of foreign policy issues, including India's energy security and its position on ongoing tensions involving Iran.
Raut further claimed that India's global policy decisions were increasingly dependent on the United States, referring to restrictions linked to Russian oil imports.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also took a swipe at Modi receiving international honours during overseas visits, saying the Prime Minister frequently returned from foreign trips with awards and recognitions, reported ANI.
Raut also criticised the security arrangements surrounding senior BJP leaders, alleging that common citizens were facing inconvenience because of large VIP convoys and road blockades.
Referring to a recent visit by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Pune, Raut mentioned a viral video allegedly showing traffic disruptions caused by the minister's convoy.
He argued that excessive security measures and road closures were causing hardship for the public. Raut extended similar criticism towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that several roads in Delhi were frequently blocked due to security arrangements for senior leaders, reported ANI.
Raut's comments came amid discussions surrounding Modi's recent appeals encouraging citizens to adopt austerity measures in light of the West Asia crisis and rising global oil prices.
The Prime Minister had urged people to reduce non-essential expenditure, limit foreign travel, avoid unnecessary purchases and support domestic products as global economic uncertainty continued to impact fuel prices and supply chains, reported ANI.
The Strait of Hormuz disruption has contributed to rising crude oil prices and increased pressure on India's economy and currency markets.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also supported Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of alleged corporate favouritism involving the Adani Group.
Raut's remarks came after reports that the US Securities and Exchange Commission had reached a settlement in a civil case involving Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, subject to court approval. According to reports, the settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoing.
Raut also alleged that major institutions in the country were under the influence of the BJP while commenting on the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, reported ANI.
Turning to Maharashtra politics, he defended the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, claiming that the factions led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar lacked ideological legitimacy.
He further alleged that political pressure was being exerted in matters related to party symbols and disqualification proceedings, while insisting that such decisions should be made strictly according to constitutional provisions.
(With inputs from ANI)
