11 Jun. 24: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday claimed that BJP allies Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu were “dissatisfied souls” following the recent allocation of portfolios in the Union cabinet. Speaking to reporters, Raut referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as a “bhatakti aatma” (wandering restless soul) and asserted that Pawar will not rest until the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra are dislodged.
Raut urged RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to consider dismantling the NDA government if he believed it was not in the nation’s best interest. He emphasized the dissatisfaction among NDA allies, highlighting that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu were particularly discontented.
In the recent portfolio allocations, Lalan Singh of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal-United received the Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Ministries, while TDP’s K Rammohan Naidu was assigned the Civil Aviation Ministry. JD(S) leader HD Kumarswamy was given the Heavy Industries and Steel Ministries, which Raut derisively termed the “most rejected” portfolio.
Raut also criticized the absence of a Muslim minister in the Modi-led cabinet, alleging it was against the Constitution and indicative of an attempt to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims. He claimed that the BJP kept the most significant portfolios for itself, leaving allies dissatisfied.
Moreover, Raut took aim at the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, suggesting these parties were formed out of fear and aimed at weakening the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP.
Raut’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions within the NDA and highlight the growing discontent among its allies in the wake of the latest cabinet reshuffle.
