Sanjay Raut's Abusive Remarks Against Defectors Spark Controversy

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut used strong language while referring to party members who have recently defected, during a press conference in New Delhi. As party leaders face a wave of defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, Raut directed expletives at those leaving and explicitly urged the media not to censor his remarks.

Addressing reporters, Raut allegedly hurled abuses at the defectors, reportedly using derogatory terms to describe them. He then told journalists, "Don't cut it, run it," insisting his words be broadcast without editing. He did not immediately name any individuals but accused the departing members of dishonesty, stating that "beimaani (dishonesty) is in their blood," and that the party was now feeling the impact.

When questioned later about the language, Raut defended himself, saying such expressions are common in Marathi conversation. He questioned the outrage, asking why he should not use strong words against those who, according to him, left the party after accepting large sums of money. "We use such words in Marathi language. What is wrong in it? I very well know what language to use and when. People must be spoken to in the language they understand. What will you say about a person who leaves a party by accepting Rs 15 crores? Will you shower flower petals on such a person?" Raut asserted.

Fellow MP Anil Desai, who was present at the press conference, attempted to downplay the remarks, describing them as colloquial slang and an emotional reaction rather than targeted abuse. "Whatever is said, these are slangs, it is not meant for anyone particularly. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics in the public sphere, speaks, such things happen," Desai said, adding that Raut was not addressing any specific individual.

However, political rivals swiftly condemned the language. Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat said Raut’s choice of words was improper and insulting to the departing MPs, suggesting that such behaviour might have been a long-standing issue within the party. "I think abusing them and insulting them in this manner was not right. This must have been going on for a long time. The result is that today the MPs don't want to be with them," Shirsat remarked.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam went further, claiming the incident illustrated the collapse of the party’s leadership. He argued that moving away from Hindutva ideology had left workers and legislators deeply dissatisfied, and that using such language was unacceptable in civil society.

In contrast, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi offered a more sympathetic view, interpreting Raut’s outburst as an emotional response to the repeated targeting of his party. "Their party was split, and MLAs were taken away. Now they are being targeted again. Sanjay Raut's anger is therefore understandable," he said.

The episode highlights the ongoing turmoil within Shiv Sena (UBT), which has seen several key members leave amid political realignments in Maharashtra. Raut’s comments, and his direction to the media, have drawn renewed attention to the tone of political discourse.