Sanjay Raut hits out at NCP merger talk: "The country does not run on mergers"

Discussion over a merger of the two Nationalist parties is running high in Maharashtra these days, with the question being whether a merger will happen or not. Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut grew visibly angry when asked about it. Speaking to the media, Raut said those who keep talking about a merger and repeatedly commenting on it would have their brains explode. He asked what this merger is, and whether the country runs on mergers. According to Raut, Sharad Pawar too is enjoying the talk.

Raut said it makes little difference whether the two Nationalist parties merge or not. According to him, the country faces many problems and people's questions are going unresolved. He said there is a drought and farmers are in distress, so why all this talk of merger. Raut said that one day the brains of those holding the discussion would explode and people would go mad over this merger issue. He said enough was enough, and that even cows and buffaloes do not chew the cud this much.

Raut said Sharad Pawar always keeps his attention on farmers' issues and will certainly take note of tomorrow's morcha. According to him, if his health permits, Pawar will go to Kolhapur and meet them. Raut said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had phoned Pawar and said the two of them would together resolve the country's problems. Raut said he felt Pawar should now immediately write to Modi asking him to first resolve the Gokul issue. In Raut's words, Modi's people have committed daylight robbery and are going against democracy. Raut made this jibe.

He also spoke about state minister Pratap Sarnaik's visit to his home. Raut said that on coming downstairs he saw who had arrived. According to him, Sarnaik has had warm ties with his mother for years and comes by every Diwali. Raut said there is no political signal in it. He said Sarnaik will come, eat besan laddoo, which he likes very much, and chakli, and leave after taking his mother's blessings.

Asked whether the two Shiv Senas would come together, Raut replied no. He said there are two factions within the Shinde faction, that is, two Shindes, and they should find that out for themselves.

Ramdas Kadam has alleged that Sunil Tatkare had a hand in Ajit Pawar's accident. Raut responded to this as well. He said no one is serious about the probe into Ajit Pawar's accident, neither Ajit Dada's family nor the state government. Raut said the allegation is being made by a leader whose son is a Minister of State for Home. According to him, when the father of the Minister of State for Home is speaking, it should be taken note of, and if he has any evidence, there should be an investigation.