States » WestPosted at: Oct 31 2026 9:56PM


BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban targets Sanjay Raut over 'positive' remarks on Vijay Mallya in upcoming book

Mumbai, Oct 31 (UNI) BJP Maharashtra chief spokesperson Navnath Ban on Saturday criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over his references to fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in his upcoming book, alleging that Raut was attempting to portray Mallya in a favourable light.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office, Ban said Raut had earlier criticised the government over his arrest in the Patra Chawl case by asking, "Am I Vijay Mallya?", but was now seemingly defending the businessman through his book.
Ban alleged that while Mallya had defaulted on bank loans, Raut had failed the Marathi residents affected by the Patra Chawl redevelopment issue.
He questioned Raut's changing political positions, saying that he had earlier defended Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi and was now speaking in support of Mallya.
Ban also claimed that the government had recovered 80 per cent of the loans defaulted by Mallya from banks.
He questioned why Mallya, who was earlier portrayed as a villain, was now being presented differently in Raut's book.
Taking a dig at the book's title, 'Bodhkirtan', Ban said Raut should also include a chapter explaining his views on Mallya and the controversy surrounding the businessman.
Ban further said that while today industrialists were contributing to employment generation, in contrast the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government had created an atmosphere of intimidation against industrialists.
He suggested that Raut should also write about the bomb scare outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence during the MVA government's tenure.
Commenting on MLA Sanjay Gaikwad's remarks about farmers, Ban said he did not support the statement and shared Raut's position on the issue.
However, he challenged Raut to examine allegations concerning land transactions in Alibaug, including those involving farmers, and questioned how 19 bungalows allegedly linked to Uddhav Thackeray came up there.
In a separate remark, Ban warned Congress leader Ravindra Dhangekar against making personal attacks on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He said such criticism would invite a response in similar language and questioned Dhangekar's threat to prevent him from moving around Maharashtra.
Ban said political criticism should not be accompanied by threats and warned Dhangekar to exercise restraint while commenting on the Chief Minister.
UNI SP RN
Tags: #BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban targets Sanjay Raut over 'positive' remarks on Vijay Mallya in upcoming book
More News

Maha: President Murmu performs Simhastha flag worship at Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar

01 Nov 2026 | 12:51 AM

Nashik, Oct 31 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu performed the ceremonial worship of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela flag at the sacred Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar today, marking an important religious ceremony ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

see more..

Dr DS Kate honoured by Maha Governor for promoting financial literacy

01 Nov 2026 | 12:35 AM

Mumbai, Oct 31 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma felicitated entrepreneur and economics scholar Dr DS Kate for his contribution to promoting financial literacy at a function held at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

see more..

Court issues warrant against Minister Nitesh Rane in defamation case filed by Sanjay Raut

31 Oct 2026 | 11:49 PM

Mumbai, Oct 31 (UNI) A Mazgaon court issued a warrant against senior BJP leader and Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Rane here on Saturday in connection with a case of criminal defamation filed by Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

see more..

President Murmu calls for national unity and environmental protection at Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027

31 Oct 2026 | 10:15 PM

Bharat Ghandat .

see more..

Unseasonal rain likely in parts of Maha; Temperatures set to rise gradually

31 Oct 2026 | 10:00 PM

Pune, Oct 31 (UNI) Despite October drawing to a close, Maharashtra continues to experience unpredictable weather, with light showers expected in some parts of the state while several districts are likely to witness dry conditions. According to the latest forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cloudy skies and isolated rainfall are expected in certain areas, even as daytime temperatures are likely to rise gradually.

see more..