Mumbai: In a stunning move, the Shiv Sena party has ousted its longtime parliamentary party leader, Sanjay Raut. And appointed a new leader, Vinayak Raut, in his place. The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s top leadership, which was held earlier today. The move comes after weeks of internal bickering within the party, with several senior leaders reportedly unhappy with Sanjay Raut’s style of functioning.
Vinayak Raut, who is no relation to the outgoing leader, is a long-time party loyalist and has served in various positions within the party. He is widely regarded as a competent and efficient administrator and is expected to bring stability to the party. The announcement of the leadership change was made by party spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi, who said that the decision was taken after careful deliberation and with the aim of strengthening the party ahead of the upcoming elections.
“Vinayak Raut has been appointed as the new parliamentary party leader of the Shiv Sena. This decision has been taken in the best interests of the party and we are confident that he will lead the party to greater heights,” she said. Sanjay Raut, who has been with the party for several decades, is believed to have been taken aback by the decision. However, he put up a brave face and said that he respected the party’s decision.
“I have always been a loyal worker of the Shiv Sena and will continue to work for the party in whatever capacity I am given,” he said.
The Shiv Sena, which is part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, has been embroiled in a number of controversies in recent months. Along with several of its leaders facing allegations of corruption and wrongdoing. The party is now hoping that the leadership change will help it regain some of its lost credibility and position it well for the upcoming polls.
