Raut alleges minister Gulabrao Patil threatened those opposing Shinde's return as Maharashtra CM

A fresh round of allegations and counter-allegations has begun in Maharashtra politics. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has sharply criticised the state government over an alleged statement by minister Gulabrao Patil. Raut alleged that threats are being issued to make Eknath Shinde chief minister again. He also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue.

Speaking to the media, Raut said one of Fadnavis's own ministers had threatened to finish off anyone who comes in the way of Shinde becoming chief minister. Raut claimed the minister's name is Gulabrao Patil. He added that the person issuing the threat is no ordinary man but a minister in Fadnavis's Cabinet.

Raut asked Chief Minister Fadnavis directly what action he would take if a minister in his Cabinet made such a threat. Speaking about the ruling camp, he also mentioned the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Raut alleged that the language of eliminating opponents is being spoken to make Shinde chief minister.

Raut also made serious allegations against the Central government. Criticising the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Election Commission, he called them enemies of the country.

According to Raut, a statement has been made on behalf of the Shiv Sena about expanding the party, and it has also been claimed that Eknath Shinde will become chief minister again. Against this backdrop, the state's political temperature is likely to rise.

On Tuesday, too, Raut had targeted the Central government. He alleged that an attempt was being made to bring back an East India Company-like system in the country. He had also warned that if this government stayed in power, anarchy would spread in the country. These statements have brought the clash between the ruling side and the opposition in the state back into discussion.

Now to Gulabrao Patil's speech. Speaking at a Dussehra fair, Patil said with full confidence that Eknath Shinde would again become the state's chief minister. He also said that whoever comes in Shinde's way would be ruined.

In his speech, Patil offered prayers to Lord Ramchandra and Jagdamba. He said he had also made a vow to the goddess of Wani that Eknath Shinde be made the state's chief minister again in the time to come. Patil also said that Shinde becoming chief minister was necessary to make farmers prosperous.