States » WestPosted at: Nov 15 2026 5:39PM


Navnath Ban targets Sanjay Raut, accuses Uddhav faction of serving Congress interests

Nagpur, Nov 15 (UNI) BJP chief spokesperson Navnath Ban on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, accusing him of blindly following the Congress leadership and abandoning the ideology of Hindutva.
Addressing a press conference here, Ban extended birthday wishes to Raut but said he should return to the principles of Hindutva and ‘Nation First’.
Referring to Raut's earlier slogan ‘Aandhi Nahi, Toofan Hai Modi’, he said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader should give up what he termed as his servitude to the Congress and once again repose faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Taking a dig at the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Ban said it had ceased to be a political party and had become a ‘self-help group’, which was waiting to merge with the Congress.
He also questioned the relationship between the two parties and alleged that Raut was worried about his political future if Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule joined the NDA.
On the Chhath Puja controversy, Ban said it was a Hindu festival and questioned whether Raut opposed its celebration.
He also sought clarification from Congress leaders in Maharashtra on whether they supported Raut's alleged opposition to the festival.
At the same time, he asserted that Marathi songs should be played at railway platforms during Ganeshotsav and Navratri, accusing the Uddhav Thackeray faction of attempting to create divisions between Marathi and North Indian communities for political gains.
Defending Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Ban said the people of Maharashtra had endorsed his leadership in the 2014, 2019 and 2024 elections.
Challenging Raut to demonstrate his own electoral strength, he asked him to first ensure the election of a corporator from the Uddhav Thackeray faction in Bhandup before criticising Fadnavis.
Criticising the opposition to infrastructure projects, Ban said the Uddhav Thackeray faction had opposed the Samruddhi Expressway, Mumbai Coastal Road and Metro projects without understanding their importance.
The Samruddhi Expressway had improved connectivity to Vidarbha and reduced travel time between the region and Mumbai to around seven hours, he said.
He alleged that the faction was now opposing green energy projects as well.
On the Mumbai-Gujarat issue, Ban accused Raut of double standards, pointing to slogans such as ‘Kem Chho Worli’ and ‘Jilebi Fafda, Uddhav Thackeray Aapda’ used during political campaigns.
He said Mumbai was an integral part of Maharashtra and belonged to the Marathi people, adding that there was no question of separating it from the state.
Referring to the plot controversy, Ban said an investigation would be conducted and action taken against those found guilty. However, he questioned the Uddhav Thackeray faction's right to comment on the Ram Temple, alleging that its leaders had stayed away from the temple's inauguration due to pressure from the Congress.
On the reported defacement of the sacred premises along the Godavari with oil paint, Ban condemned the act and demanded strict action against those responsible.
He also called for action against individuals deliberately spreading religious hatred during religious programmes.
Commenting on India-Italy relations, Ban said bilateral ties dated back to the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and advised Raut to understand the historical context before making remarks on the issue.
He also said Prime Minister Modi enjoyed the support of the country's 140 crore people.
On an extortion case, Ban demanded a thorough investigation by Mumbai Police and strict action against those involved, saying that the accused should not be spared.
Taking aim at the INDIA alliance, he said the opposition bloc lacked unity and was unable even to decide on its Prime Ministerial candidate.
He also questioned Raut's authority to speak on behalf of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and said there were conflicting positions among alliance partners.
Referring to the late Ajit Pawar's legacy, Ban criticised NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar for allegedly politicising his memories and said Ajit Pawar continued to live in the hearts of people in Maharashtra.
He challenged Rohit Pawar to name the 25 sugar factories under his control after Ajit Pawar if he genuinely respected him, and urged him to undertake public welfare initiatives in his memory.
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Tags: #Navnath Ban targets Sanjay Raut# accuses Uddhav faction of serving Congress interests
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