File photo NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday defended his controversial remarks directed at suspected rebel party MPs, saying the expressions he used were part of common Marathi usage and that he knew “when and which language should be used.”Responding to criticism over his comments, Raut said that his remarks were not abusive in the context of Maharashtra’s political and social culture.”No abusive language. This is how it is used in Marathi. This is how it is used in Maharashtra. This is our regular language. The language that should be used should be used. The language that is understood should be used. And when and which language should be used, I know. I am the editor of the Saamna. I know the language,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.Raut questions criticism over his remarksRaut also questioned concerns about parliamentary decorum, arguing that wrongdoing should be punished. Referring to allegations of political defections, he said, “If someone is dishonest, what will you do with him? You will punish him. If someone is corrupt, he takes 15 crore rupees and leaves the party, what will you do with him? Will you punish him? Tell me.”Commenting on the ongoing speculation over internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT), Raut said the party would continue to resist any attempts to weaken it.”As long as they have the capacity to do this to us… we will keep fighting,” he said.Addressing questions on whether any MPs had formally communicated dissent, he added, “No one has officially communicated with us. Yes. We have called for a party meeting tomorrow. We have called everyone.”Clarifies meeting with Lok Sabha SpeakerRaut also sought to clarify reports regarding his interaction with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying he had only submitted a written representation concerning media reports suggesting a possible split in the party.”I just went to see the news that was coming. That someone is separating from our party and making a new one. This is wrong. So, I gave a letter to the Speaker. I have given a caveat. So, take care of the rules and regulations. Take care of the Supreme Court’s ruling. That’s all,” he said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said no formal communication regarding any split had been received by the party.PollWhat do you believe are the main reasons for the internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT)?Lack of leadership direction.Political defections.Perceived corruption in the party.Row erupted after remarks against suspected rebelsThe controversy stems from comments made by Raut during a press conference in Delhi alongside party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai.During the interaction, he lashed out at suspected rebel MPs and warned that those wishing to leave the party should first resign from their positions.”If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” Raut had said.Raut also alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections within the party and claimed that some MPs had been offered money to switch sides.He said a whip had been issued for a parliamentary party meeting and asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would continue fighting any effort to weaken the organisation.’Operation Tiger’ fuels Maharashtra political buzzThe remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra, where reports have suggested that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.However, no official announcement regarding a split has been made.The political chatter has been dubbed “Operation Tiger”, with speculation that seven of the party’s nine MPs are in touch with the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, who split from Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 along with a group of MLAs.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised Raut’s comments, saying they reflected the “collapse” of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party’s leadership.Party MP Anil Desai, however, backed Raut and said the remarks were merely slang and not directed at any particular individual.”Whatever is said, these are slang; it is not meant for anyone particularly. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics in the public sphere, speaks, such things happen,” Desai said, according to ANI.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideos“Attack on Mandate”: BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee’s Court Plea Amid Electoral ControversyRJD Workers Take Guard Duty After Security Downgrade for Lalu Yadav and Rabri Yadav’MPs Offered Rs 15 Crore Each To Switch Sides’; Whip Issued Amid Claims Of MPs Switching SidesUS Reverts Indo-Pacific Command To Pacific Command, Sparking Debate Over India’s Strategic RoleAmid Split Rumours, Shiv Sena (UBT) Asks Lok Sabha Speaker Not To Recognise Any Rebel MP GroupSpeaker Om Birla To Meet TMC Leaders Before Ruling On Rebel MPs’ NCPI Merger Bid | WatchDelhi Police Foils Alleged ISI-Backed Terror Plot, Recovers Arms And Exposes Cross-Border NetworkSanjay Raut Alleges Cash Offers To MPs; Mahua Moitra’s Response Sparks Political StormAttack On RSS Office In Jharkhand Sparks Security Concerns; BJP Demands Tough ActionAt G7 Summit, PM Modi Holds Key Talks With UAE President, UK PM On Trade, Energy And Security123PhotostoriesSamantha Ruth Prabhu’s Rs 1.16 lakh lime green saree is the refreshing fashion moment we didn’t know we neededTrisha Krishnan’s fashion evolution: Pages from the diary of the timeless style icon5 ancient Chinese skincare secrets backed up by science that you can try at homeHair fall in monsoon: 5 tried-and-tested natural oils that can help strengthen your hair and reduce shedding8 most expensive foods in India and why they are priced so highNot every heart patient needs another stent: How this FDA-approved therapy may help create ‘natural bypasses’From getting scammed after Bigg Boss 16 to being bullied for his height and financial struggles: Abdu Rozik gets candidPrince George to start at Eton College: 10 famous alumni of the elite institution — From George Orwell to Boris Johnson, Eddie RedmayneEgyptian love proverb of the day: “Love is the oldest traveler in the universe; it is…”Egg white versus egg yolk: Which has more nutrition and protein123Hot PicksArgentina vs Algeria Live ScoreVaibhav SooryavanshiStock Market TodayFIFA World Cup Free Live StreamingSpaceX market valueIND vs AFG ScorecardUGC NET admit cardStock Market LiveLionel Messi Instagram messageTop TrendingSairaj BahutaleFrance vs Senegal Live ScoreKarley SwindelFIFA World Cup 2026Jewar Noida International AirportHormuz BlockadeSpaceXCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeAustria vs Jordan Match Result
NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday defended his controversial remarks directed at suspected rebel party MPs, saying the expressions he used were part of common Marathi usage and that he knew “when and which language should be used.“Responding to criticism over his comments, Raut said that his remarks were not abusive in the context of Maharashtra’s political and social culture.“No abusive language. This is how it is used in Marathi. This is how it is used in Maharashtra. This is our regular language. The language that should be used should be used. The language that is understood should be used. And when and which language should be used, I know. I am the editor of the Saamna. I know the language,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Raut questions criticism over his remarks
Raut also questioned concerns about parliamentary decorum, arguing that wrongdoing should be punished. Referring to allegations of political defections, he said, “If someone is dishonest, what will you do with him? You will punish him. If someone is corrupt, he takes 15 crore rupees and leaves the party, what will you do with him? Will you punish him? Tell me.”Commenting on the ongoing speculation over internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT), Raut said the party would continue to resist any attempts to weaken it.“As long as they have the capacity to do this to us… we will keep fighting,” he said.Addressing questions on whether any MPs had formally communicated dissent, he added, “No one has officially communicated with us. Yes. We have called for a party meeting tomorrow. We have called everyone.”
Clarifies meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker
Raut also sought to clarify reports regarding his interaction with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying he had only submitted a written representation concerning media reports suggesting a possible split in the party.“I just went to see the news that was coming. That someone is separating from our party and making a new one. This is wrong. So, I gave a letter to the Speaker. I have given a caveat. So, take care of the rules and regulations. Take care of the Supreme Court’s ruling. That’s all,” he said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said no formal communication regarding any split had been received by the party.
What do you believe are the main reasons for the internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT)?
Row erupted after remarks against suspected rebels
The controversy stems from comments made by Raut during a press conference in Delhi alongside party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai.During the interaction, he lashed out at suspected rebel MPs and warned that those wishing to leave the party should first resign from their positions.“If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” Raut had said.Raut also alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections within the party and claimed that some MPs had been offered money to switch sides.He said a whip had been issued for a parliamentary party meeting and asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would continue fighting any effort to weaken the organisation.
‘Operation Tiger ‘ fuels Maharashtra political buzz
The remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra, where reports have suggested that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.However, no official announcement regarding a split has been made.The political chatter has been dubbed “Operation Tiger”, with speculation that seven of the party’s nine MPs are in touch with the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, who split from Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 along with a group of MLAs.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised Raut’s comments, saying they reflected the “collapse” of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party’s leadership.Party MP Anil Desai, however, backed Raut and said the remarks were merely slang and not directed at any particular individual.“Whatever is said, these are slang; it is not meant for anyone particularly. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics in the public sphere, speaks, such things happen,” Desai said, according to ANI.
