Mumbai: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, was honoured with the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Award on Tuesday. The award was presented in Delhi by former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. However, this event has sparked political controversy in Maharashtra. Sanjay Raut, spokesperson for Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction, has strongly criticised Pawar for honouring the person responsible for splitting their party.
Sanjay Raut Expresses Dissatisfaction On Sharad Pawar's Actions
Speaking to the media, Raut expressed his disappointment, stating, "Maharashtra’s politics is taking a strange turn. We need to reassess who is deceiving whom and who is being deceived. Eknath Shinde, who toppled Maharashtra’s government and betrayed us, should not have been honoured by Sharad Pawar. That is our sentiment."
He further added, "How will we face the people of Maharashtra now? While it's true that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, those who have harmed Maharashtra and whom we consider its enemies should not be honored in this manner. It is a blow to Maharashtra’s pride and self-respect. This might be Pawar’s perspective, but the people of Maharashtra do not agree. We respect Sharad Pawar, but this decision has deeply hurt us."
Raut stated that the honour given to Shinde was painful for Shiv Sena (UBT). "Those who split Shiv Sena are being felicitated, and this is causing us great anguish. Politics in Delhi might be different, but this has hurt us. Some things should be avoided in politics. Even if there are ongoing discussions between you and Ajit Pawar, we tread carefully before taking any step forward," he said.
Literary Festivals Are Marketplace For Political Deals: Raut
He also criticised the political environment in Delhi, claiming that what was happening there was not a literary gathering but political bargaining. "This is not a literary festival; it’s a marketplace for political deals. Awards and honours are being handed out arbitrarily. What connection do these people have with literature? I question the organizers, did you go to Delhi for literary service or for political brokerage? What service have you done for Marathi literature? Instead of honouring those who uphold Maharashtra’s dignity, you are felicitating those who trample upon it. This is not a literary event but a political deal in Delhi," Raut remarked.
Despite his criticism, Raut revealed that he had received an invitation to the event and planned to attend. "I have been invited, and I will go. Any true Marathi individual will not stay away," he concluded.
