The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction has expressed strong anger after some of its corporators in Chandrapur supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent mayoral election. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the move went directly against clear instructions given by party chief Uddhav Thackeray. He described the development as a “betrayal” of the party’s long political struggle against the BJP.
“Alliance with BJP is a sin”
Speaking to reporters, Raut made it clear that the party would not accept any understanding with the BJP. “For years, we have fought against them. To compromise now for the sake of power is unacceptable to me and the majority of our party,” he said.
He added that joining hands with the BJP would be a “sin” that the people of Maharashtra would not forgive. Raut stressed that even though the BJP is currently in power, Shiv Sena (UBT) would not accept the “stigma” of compromising for short-term gains. He also warned that if there is to be any alliance in Chandrapur, those who “betrayed” the party must first face action.
Raut pointed to internal problems within the Congress, an ally in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), as one of the reasons behind the political shift in Chandrapur.
He said that despite discussions with senior leaders such as MP Pratibha Dhanorkar and Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, two factions within the Congress failed to reach a final agreement. “The Congress needed to engage more seriously with our corporators and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi members. Unfortunately, two factions within the Congress could not reach a consensus until the very end,” Raut said.
According to him, this lack of coordination created a political vacuum at the local level, which led some corporators to support the BJP. He said the state Congress leadership, including president Harshwardhan Sapkal, should reflect on what happened.
Corporators to be called to Mumbai
Raut said Uddhav Thackeray is closely monitoring the situation. The corporators who supported the BJP are likely to be called to Mumbai within the next two or three days. After discussions with them, the party will take a final decision on whether to withdraw support or take disciplinary action.
Raut compared the situation in Chandrapur to earlier political tensions seen in Kalyan-Dombivli involving the MNS and other parties, suggesting that local issues had once again created trouble for the alliance.
“There is only one Uddhav Thackeray”
Raut repeated that Uddhav Thackeray’s stand against the BJP remains firm, especially after the split in the original Shiv Sena. “Uddhav Thackeray’s orders for Chandrapur were clear: do not bring these ‘thieves’ to power,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation that his remarks were aimed at party legislator Varun Sardesai. “Just as there is only one Balasaheb, there is only one Uddhav Thackeray. No matter how big a leader becomes, the chief’s order is final,” Raut stated.
The party is now waiting for the upcoming meetings in Mumbai, after which a final decision on the Chandrapur issue is expected.
