Expect a ‘political earthquake’ in July, warns Sanjay Raut

Mumbai: Furthering the political drama, Shiv Sena MP, Sanjay Raut said to his party workers on Saturday to expect a “political earthquake” in July and made it clear that the party’s battle is with its very ally, BJP. This clearly points at a tiff between Sena and BJP, especially after the state-wide farmers’ strike.

While addressing to  party workers in Nashik, Mr Raut said, “Our fight is with our ally. It is hell bent on destroying us. This is the question of our existence, so be prepared for that. A big battle is ahead in July.”

Earlier this week, Sena ministers boycotted the weekly cabinet meeting saying they were not taken into consideration on the loan waiver declared for farmers. The minister said that the loan waiver would not happen without consultation with Uddhav Thackeray.

Slamming the BJP-led government for forcefully acquiring land from farmers for the Super Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg) project, Mr Raut said Sena will not allow the same. “The BJP wants to help industrialists grab the land for Samruddhi Mahamarg by taking it forcefully from the farmers. Shiv Sena has stopped the process of land acquisition. Uddhav Thackeray has promised that he will not allow the government to construct the Mahamarg,” the Sena MP said.

Vouching for a complete loan waiver, Mr Raut instructed the workers to send the loan waiver forms to farmers in every village. “In last three years, 4,500 farmers committed suicide. What is the use of such a government that cannot prevent suicides? We want a complete loan waiver,” he said.

Clarifying doubt over transport minister Diwakar Raote’s involvement in the high-power group of ministers to resolve farmers’ issues, Mr Raut said the former kept the party views strongly. Earlier, Mr Raote had said that he was not aware of his involvement in the high-power committee.