A major political storm is brewing in Maharashtra as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed that 35 MLAs from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction are preparing to break away, signalling possible instability within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Speaking to the media after a month-long absence due to health issues, Raut launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Shinde faction, alleging that unprecedented money power is being used in the ongoing municipal and nagar panchayat elections.
Accusations of Large-Scale Money Power
Raut criticised the state government led by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, accusing them of orchestrating massive financial dealings during the local body elections.
He said, “The use of money in these elections is shocking. This is a threat to democracy. The Election Commission must intervene.”
He added that comments from ministers predicting a December 1 ‘Lakshmi Darshan’ (money distribution) were openly encouraging corruption in the electoral process.
“Shinde Faction Created by BJP”
According to Raut, the entire Shinde-led breakaway faction was a political project managed by the BJP.
He claimed that the BJP is now using money and pressure tactics to control the faction, but internal cracks are starting to show.
35 MLAs Likely to Exit Shinde Camp
Referring to BJP state president Ravindra Chavan’s recent remark about “keeping the alliance intact until December 2,” Raut said this reflected growing internal tensions.
He alleged:
“Thirty-five MLAs of Shinde will leave the party. Ravindra Chavan has been appointed just to manage this crisis.”
Raut dismissed the idea of electoral competition between the BJP and the Shinde camp, saying:
“We don’t consider Shinde’s group to be Shiv Sena at all.”
Record-Breaking Election Expenditure
Raut also highlighted how election budgets have skyrocketed, with candidates allegedly spending ₹10–15 crore each and even using multiple helicopters for local body campaigns.
He said such excesses were unheard of in Maharashtra’s political history and warned that the state’s electoral culture has been “completely destroyed.”
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
