'Don't legitimise traitors': Sanjay Raut slams Sharad Pawar for meeting Eknath Shinde

Nationalist Congress Party SP chief Sharad Pawarrsquos decision to hold a party meeting in Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shindersquos chamber at Vidhan Bhavan has triggered differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi MVA with Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut questioning the moveRaut criticised Pawarrsquos meeting with Shinde and said senior leaders should avoid giving political legitimacy to those whom the Shiv Sena UBT considers responsible for splitting partiesSpeaking at a press conference Raut said the issue was political and linked to the sentiments of party workersSanjay Raut says move hurt Shiv Sena UBT workersAcknowledging Pawarrsquos seniority in politics Raut said he respected the NCP SP chief but disagreed with his decisionSharad 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 workersRaut said the Shiv Sena UBT would not hold party meetings in the offices of leaders it accuses of betrayalWe will never step into a traitorrsquos office to hold our party meetings We are not that tolerant nor do we possess such a large heart Let those who are bighearted do as they please but this is unacceptable to us Such compromises are precisely why the NCPSP loses its credibility among the publicRaut urges MVA leaders to maintain political standRaut claimed the issue had caused disappointment within the opposition alliance and said all MVA partners should follow certain political principlesHad we been in his position we would have never held a meeting in Ajit Pawarrsquos 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 urgedReferring to the meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan regarding the MaharashtraKarnataka border dispute Raut also questioned the details and outcome of the discussionShiv Sena UBT questions border dispute meetingRaut 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 discussionsWhat 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 borderdispute 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 Shindersquos office and conducting his own partys meeting there is something that has genuinely hurt Shiv Sena UBT he notedRaut says criticism is political not personalRaut accused Pawar of giving political recognition to Shinde despite the Shiv Sena UBTrsquos continued opposition to himldquoSharad 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 partyQuestioning Pawarrsquos 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 usHe added that his remarks were not personal and that he continued to share a respectful relationship with PawarMy relationship with Sharad Pawar is rooted in deep affection and warmth but I stand firm when it comes to my partys stance If veteran leaders continue to dignify traitors the states 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 youWith inputs from IANS