After Ajit Pawar jumps ship, Sanjay Raut says not ‘an earthquake’, points to Sena rebel MLAs disqualification issue

The senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said the current dispensation is unstable.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said he does not consider the latest political developments in the state as “an earthquake”. (File photo)

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As Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joined the Maharashtra government Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said their oath-taking ceremony took place because Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other 16 Sena rebel MLAs will be disqualified soon.

Raut said he does not consider the latest political developments in the state as “an earthquake”. “This process was going on and I have mentioned this earlier. These things ought to happen,” he claimed.

“The government will become unstable and hence this new support (NCP MLAs) has been taken. One engine (of the government) is about to break down and hence another engine (in the form of Ajit Pawar) has been attached. CM Shinde will be disqualified soon. He will lose the CM post and soon the state will get a new CM,” he added.

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In May, the Supreme Court had pronounced its verdict on the legal battle between the two Senas and asked Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar to take a decision on the disqualification proceedings against the 16 MLAs, including Eknath Shinde, from the undivided Shiv Sena.

A Constitution bench of the SC had said, while delivering its judgment on May 11, it would not interfere in the disqualification proceedings against the 16 Sena MLAs pending before the Speaker. The bench had said the Speaker must decide on the same within a “reasonable period”.

Last month, Sanjay Raut had said the Shiv Sena (UBT) will approach the Supreme Court again if Narvekar doesn’t take a decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs of the Eknath Shinde-led Sena within 90 days. The Maharashtra Assembly Speaker is yet to begin the procedure for hearing the disqualification pleas and has not issued notices to any of the MLAs yet.

The senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said the current dispensation is unstable. “Even after having the support of 165 MLAs if they need Ajit Pawar and other MLAs’ support, then it means that as per the SC verdict, soon Sena rebel MLAs will be disqualified,” he added.

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Earlier in the day, Raut had also tweeted he had spoken with NCP chief and Ajit Pawar’s uncle Sharad Pawar. “He said ‘I am strong. We have the support of the people. We will rebuild everything again with Uddhav Thackeray’. Yes, people will not tolerate this game for long,” he had said.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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