MVA slams ED’s action against Raut while BJP asks Sena MP to approach court for redressal

The Enforcement Directorate’s move to attach properties of Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut in connection with a land scam case has been slammed by the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi partners while BJP has downplayed it saying that Raut can seek redressal from the court.

Raut said, ‘’Asatyamev Jayate'' (lie has triumphed).’’ He further said ‘’ED’s action is an attack on “middle-class Marathi manoos.” I will not be cowed by such moves and resist any act to pressurise me.’’

Raut, who attended the dinner hosted by the NCP chief Sharad Pawar at his New Delhi residence for the MVA legislators, said the ED's action is an act of vengeance and the agency's claim against him will fall flat.

Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil also questioned the functioning of the central probe agencies. "If such action is being taken by the ED without any notice or inquiry, then we can see how the central government is acting. No matter how much action is taken, there is no threat to the government. The government will complete its five years," he said.

On the other hand, the state NCP chief & Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil claimed that the central probe agencies are being blatantly misused by the BJP led government at the centre. ‘’The central investigation agencies are being used to discredit the MVA government and the people involved in the government. They are being used to create suspicion and doubt about the government. ED’s move is an attempt to put pressure on Sanjay Raut,’’ he noted.

Shiv Sena youth wing chief and Tourism and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray said "Whatever is happening is a part of political vendetta & not democratic."

However, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil refuted Rauts’ allegations against the BJP after ED’s action. "Allegations made by Sanjay Raut against BJP after ED’s action are baseless. If the action is not acceptable, Raut should seek redressal from the court. There is no point in telling reporters that they (Raut & his family members and associates) have not embezzled a single penny. If he is not at fault, he should go to court without fear,’’ he said.