Sun Feb 23 15:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Raut Slams Shah, Shinde Following BJP Leaders’ Maharashtra Visit
**Mumbai, February 23, 2025** – Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following Shah’s recent visit to the state.
Shah, during his visit, praised the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s performance and the construction of the Atal Setu. He also claimed that the people of Maharashtra had given a clear mandate to the alliance, effectively rejecting the opposition. Shinde reportedly lauded Shah, referring to him as a “Loh Purush” (Iron Man).
Raut responded sharply, questioning Shah’s “Loh Purush” title, asking, “Then who were Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Balasaheb Thackeray?” He further accused Shinde of being a “scared man,” criticizing the ruling government as weak and cowardly. Raut challenged Shinde to contest elections independently with his own party and symbol, promising to win five seats if he could.
Raut also criticized the lack of action by Shinde regarding recent attacks on Maharashtra State Transport (MST) buses in Karnataka, alleging that Shinde’s inaction stemmed from fear of arrest. He further accused Shinde and his allies of stealing the Shiv Sena party and symbol from Balasaheb Thackeray’s home. He urged the public to reject the BJP’s “intimidation tactics,” stating that Amit Shah was not invincible and the people would ultimately decide. Raut called for a joint meeting between the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka to resolve the MST bus issue, a matter currently before the Supreme Court.
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