Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut defended the language he used for suspected rebel MPs in a press conference on Wednesday, saying such language was part of “regular usage in Maharashtra” and asserted that he knew what language to use and when.
“We use such words in Marathi. What’s wrong with that? I know very well which language to use and when. Only a language that a person understands should be used,” Raut told news agency ANI.
He also said that this language is not used in Parliament. He also warned about what is said to someone who leaves the group by accepting money. Follow live updates
“I did not use this language in Parliament. What would you say to someone who leaves the party by his own consent $15 Crores? He added: Would you rain flower petals on such a person?
Raut said that he had submitted a written report to the Lok Sabha Speaker based on media reports of MPs separating from the party.
“I didn’t talk about anything. I just went to see what news was coming. That someone is separating from our party and forming a new party. This is wrong. So, I submitted a letter to the Speaker. Is anyone coming to you like this? I have given a warning. So, take care of the rules and regulations. Take care of the Supreme Court ruling. That’s all,” Raut added.
He added that none of the representatives contacted the party regarding the division. “No one has officially contacted us. Yes. We have called a party meeting tomorrow. We have contacted everyone.”
Raut insults the MPs
Addressing a press conference with three of the nine MPs said to be siding with Uddhav Thackeray, Raut on Wednesday hurled abuses at suspected rebel MPs in the party and asked the media not to “cut off his statements”.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi along with party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, Raut said those who wish to leave the party must first resign from their posts.
“If anyone wants to leave, they can resign and leave. If such reports arise about our MPs, they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” he said.
He added: “Whatever is said, this is colloquial, and not intended for anyone in particular. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics, speaks in the public sphere, such things happen. He also clarified that he is not addressing anyone in particular.”
Raut’s heated comments come at a time when the Sena (UBT) is looking for a possible rift, with at least 6 MPs likely to merge with the Shinde-led Sena. The six MPs who are likely to form a separatist group are: Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakshuri (Shirdi), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal), Nagesh Patil Ashtekar (Hingoli), Umraji Nimbakar (Dharashiv), Sanjay Patel (Mumbai NE). However, this cannot be independently verified.
