NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP leadership over the BMC polls, questioning the involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders plans for campaigning in local polls. Addressing a press conference, Raut said, “Why PM Modi and UP CM Yogi are planning to campaign for local polls? Is Maha Bjp and their CM incapable?” He added, “Why is Yogi Adityanath coming? Other states’ CM will also come, they will just spoil the atmosphere. Somebody said, in Mumbai only the Jai Shri Ram slogan would work. I say here only Jai Maharashtra, Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji will work. By bringing in other leaders you’re showing your weakness. You wanna fight by bringing in leaders and ministers from outside, we would fight on our own capabilities.” Raut also criticised Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena over seat-sharing with the BJP for the upcoming elections, alleging that it gave into BJP’ s demands. “So far, Shiv Sena gave seats to BJP, but now Shiv Sena is receiving seats because of Amit Shah. In the last 60 years, Shiv Sena has never bowed down to anyone and compromised in Mumbai, but Eknath Shinde’s faction has gone to Amit Shah; this is shameful. Eknath Shinde’s faction will contest on the seats given to them by the BJP. This was shocking to me… This is a misfortune for Marathi people,” he said.The Mahayuti alliance finalised its seat-sharing on Monday, with the BJP contesting 137 seats and Shinde’s Shiv Sena 90. In contrast, Shiv Sena (UBT), which has allied with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), will contest around 140 seats. Raut also hinted at an alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SCP.The Thackeray brothers – Uddhav and Raj – have joined hands ahead of the polls, reviving the “son of the soil” narrative. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar-led NCP released its second list of 27 candidates on Monday, a day after announcing 37 names. Voting for 29 municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15, with counting on January 16.(With inputs from agencies)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Flags Attacks on Migrant Workers to PM Modi’Will Rid Bengal Of Infiltrators’: Amit Shah Slams Mamata Banerjee’s 14-Year Rule, Sounds Poll BugleFrom Defence To Civil Skies: HAL’s Dhruv-NG Helicopter Takes Flight In India’s Aviation PushJapanese Tourist Harassed in Varanasi on Christmas, Netizens Slam ‘Mob Culture’Chicken’s Neck Threat Sparks Sharp Reply As Nagaland Minister Warns Bangladesh Radicals BoldlyBilawal Bhutto Goes On Anti-India Rant, Says ‘Modi Is Afraid Of Asim Munir’ Since Operation SindoorDonald Trump Tells Netanyahu He Stopped India-Pakistan War The 70th Time Since Op Sindoor PausedFrom First Woman PM To Fierce Rivalry: Khaleda Zia’s Three Terms That Redefined Bangladesh PoliticsBangladesh Mourns As Former Prime Minister And BNP Chief Khaleda Zia Dies At 80Akhnoor Sector On High Alert As BSF Strengthens Counter-Infiltration Grid123PhotostoriesThe only place on Earth where sand, snow and sea meet–can you guess?This drink can remove excess sugar from the body naturally; recipe insideSnow guaranteed! Top 5 destinations to visit in India this January for 2026 winter funBengaluru’s Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout moves closer to habitation as development work picks upGukesh: 5 things teenagers should learn from the chess championChennai’s Thirumayilai set for major connectivity boost with stacked Metro tunnels for smoother travel3 common mistakes with potatoes to avoid and easy solutionsHow exam pressure affects teenage mental healthTalk Health Tuesday: Heart health red flags you shouldn’t Google but should check with a doctorLily Collins’ motherhood journey: Times when she proved she’s a hands-on mom123Hot PicksIndigo flight DisruptionsPAN-Aadhaar link statusKhaleda ZiaGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingErika KirkTravis KelceJEE Advanced RegistrationAnjel ChakmaMumbai Bhandup Bus AccidentRobert Kraft vs Gayle Benson Net WorthMLB Trade RumorsAntonio BrownBengaluru PG BlastWWE Raw Highligths
NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP leadership over the BMC polls, questioning the involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders plans for campaigning in local polls. Addressing a press conference, Raut said, “Why PM Modi and UP CM Yogi are planning to campaign for local polls? Is Maha Bjp and their CM incapable?” He added, “Why is Yogi Adityanath coming? Other states’ CM will also come, they will just spoil the atmosphere. Somebody said, in Mumbai only the Jai Shri Ram slogan would work. I say here only Jai Maharashtra, Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji will work. By bringing in other leaders you’re showing your weakness. You wanna fight by bringing in leaders and ministers from outside, we would fight on our own capabilities.” Raut also criticised Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena over seat-sharing with the BJP for the upcoming elections, alleging that it gave into BJP’ s demands. “So far, Shiv Sena gave seats to BJP, but now Shiv Sena is receiving seats because of Amit Shah. In the last 60 years, Shiv Sena has never bowed down to anyone and compromised in Mumbai, but Eknath Shinde’s faction has gone to Amit Shah; this is shameful. Eknath Shinde’s faction will contest on the seats given to them by the BJP. This was shocking to me… This is a misfortune for Marathi people,” he said.The Mahayuti alliance finalised its seat-sharing on Monday, with the BJP contesting 137 seats and Shinde’s Shiv Sena 90. In contrast, Shiv Sena (UBT), which has allied with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), will contest around 140 seats. Raut also hinted at an alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SCP.The Thackeray brothers – Uddhav and Raj – have joined hands ahead of the polls, reviving the “son of the soil” narrative. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar-led NCP released its second list of 27 candidates on Monday, a day after announcing 37 names. Voting for 29 municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15, with counting on January 16.(With inputs from agencies)
