Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut was reportedly locked in a room and physically assaulted during a high-level meeting at Matoshree, the residence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. Senior journalist Bhai Tosrekar broke the sensational news, claiming the altercation lasted several hours and involved multiple senior leaders of the party. However, Sanjay Raut was not available for the comment on this incident as it is reported that currently he was in Shimla.
Meeting Focused on BMC Elections Turns Chaotic
The meeting, convened to strategize for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, was attended by senior leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT). However, discussions quickly escalated into a confrontation, with leaders airing grievances about the party’s poor performance in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the Shiv Sena won only 20 seats.
Sanjay Raut, a central figure in the party’s decision-making, was heavily criticized during the meeting. Several leaders accused Raut of excessive rhetoric and divisive tactics that they claimed contributed to the party’s electoral decline and alienated traditional supporters.
Raut Assaulted and Locked in a Room
According to insiders, the situation spiraled out of control when four to five leaders physically confronted Raut. They allegedly grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into a separate room at Matoshree, where he was badly assaulted. The sources further revealed that Raut was locked in the room for nearly three hours as tempers flared during the meeting.
Raut’s attempts to defend his actions, particularly his role in the 2019 split with the BJP and the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), reportedly angered the dissenting leaders. His detractors accused him of prioritizing his public image over the party’s unity and blamed his aggressive stance for the Shiv Sena’s current challenges.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Intervention
Party chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was present at Matoshree during the incident, is said to have intervened to resolve the conflict. However, his efforts to calm the situation reportedly came only after the assault on Raut had taken place.
Thackeray has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but the altercation has exposed deep divisions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) at a critical juncture.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The news of Raut’s alleged assault has sparked outrage among his supporters, who are demanding an explanation and accountability from the party leadership. Opposition parties have also capitalized on the incident, with the BJP and the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticizing the Shiv Sena (UBT) for its internal discord.
Political analysts warn that this incident could further destabilize the Shiv Sena (UBT), which is already grappling with defections and challenges to its traditional voter base. The upcoming BMC elections, a key battleground for the party, are now expected to be even more challenging due to the apparent lack of unity within the ranks.
As the story continues to develop, all eyes are on Uddhav Thackeray and the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership to see whether they will publicly address the incident and take steps to heal the party’s growing internal rifts.
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