New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticised former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Sunday, holding him accountable for the party’s defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Raut alleged that Chandrachud’s inaction on disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs had emboldened political opportunism, enabling defections and contributing to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s electoral losses.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), contesting as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, won only 20 of the 95 seats it contested. The Congress secured 16 out of 101 seats, and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction claimed just 10 out of 86. Meanwhile, the BJP dominated with 132 seats, and allies Eknath Shinde’s faction and Ajit Pawar’s NCP group secured 57 and 41 seats respectively.
VIDEO | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) said that former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud is resposnible for the outocome of Maharashtra Assembly election 2024.
“The results of the Maharashtra Assembly election are shocking and unexpected. No one anticipated… pic.twitter.com/pPAe0vCJH5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2024
Raut blames former CJI
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said, “Former Chief Justice Chandrachud removed the fear of law from defectors. By not delivering a verdict on the disqualification petitions, he left windows open for political betrayal. His inaction will be remembered in history with shame. History will never forgive him.”
The disqualification petitions were filed in 2022 following the split in the undivided Shiv Sena. MLAs loyal to Eknath Shinde defected and formed a government with the BJP. The Supreme Court, under then-CJI Chandrachud, deferred the decision to the Maharashtra assembly speaker, who later recognised the Shinde faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena.
Raut also criticises electoral process
Raut further criticised the electoral process, alleging irregularities. Writing in his weekly column Rokhthok in the party’s mouthpiece Saamana, he claimed, “The Election Commission has turned a blind eye to money power in elections. It is time to offer condolences to the Commission. Courts, too, have been in the ICU for a long time.”
Raut accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of orchestrating a negative campaign that harmed the MVA. He claimed vote-splitting, combined with the BJP’s “poisonous campaign”, contributed to the defeat. Despite the setback, Raut remained defiant, stating, “We are saddened but not disheartened. We will not abandon the fight. The division of votes played a role, but we will continue to work for our cause.”
Raut also suggested that the swearing-in ceremony for the new government should be held in Gujarat, referring to industries being shifted from Maharashtra to the neighbouring state under BJP rule.
