Sanjay Raut questions Y+ security for six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday criticized the Maharashtra government for granting Y+ security cover to six MPs from his party, questioning the rationale behind the move. He pointed out the contradiction in the ruling alliance’s actions, as it had previously claimed that the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction lacked the strength to create unrest in the state.

“If Shiv Sena (UBT) has no strength, then remove their security and see what happens,” Raut challenged, amid speculation that six MPs from his party might defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He also launched a scathing attack on BJP minister Girish Mahajan, accusing BJP leaders of relying on central agencies like the ED and CBI for their political survival. “Remove ED, CBI, and police. First, we will thrash Girish Mahajan. All these BJP leaders will run away immediately,” Raut said.

The Maharashtra State Intelligence Department had issued a communication on June 17, directing police to provide Y+ security to six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, citing potential threats. The MPs receiving this security cover are Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), and Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi). The threat perception will be reviewed by district-level security committees to decide if the security should be continued, upgraded, or withdrawn.

Raut accused the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena of betrayal, labeling the developments as “gaddari (betrayal)” compared to the “Gadar movement” during Shiv Sena’s foundation. He also alleged that some MPs were being moved to Jaipur and dared those planning to defect to resign and seek re-election. “If they resign and get elected again, we will not call them traitors,” he asserted.

Warning the ruling coalition, Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) workers would retaliate, announcing, “Now we will start Operation Tudva.” This statement follows his earlier warning that party workers would not remain silent and would create “rada (ruckus)” in response to attempts to weaken the party.