Sanjay Raut, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has publicly criticized Maharashtra's Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, over his recent increase in security measures. During a press conference, Raut challenged Fadnavis to explain the reasons behind his heightened protection, suggesting he should disclose any specific threats he might be facing.
“Why is our Home Minister so fearful? Who is he afraid of—Israel or Libya? If there is a particular threat, he should make it known,” Raut stated, casting doubt on the necessity of the additional security. Fadnavis currently has Z-plus security, one of the highest levels of protection in India, which Raut claimed has recently been augmented with about 200 Force One commandos stationed in Nagpur. “The same individual who oversees security protocols for others has taken it upon himself to bolster his own security, leading to an increased presence of commandos outside his residence,” Raut emphasized.
Raut also targeted Rashmi Shukla, the state's Director General of Police (DGP), accusing her of bias towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and urging her to clarify the rationale behind Fadnavis's enhanced protection. He expressed concerns that her position could jeopardize the integrity of the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, stating, “The assembly elections cannot be conducted fairly with her in charge.” Raut referenced past allegations against Shukla, claiming she had collaborated with the BJP in 2019 to undermine the opposition.
Furthermore, Raut questioned the Election Commission's authority in Maharashtra, highlighting that they have indicated they cannot transfer Shukla. He referenced a similar situation in Jharkhand, where a DGP was reassigned before elections, and questioned why such action could not be replicated in Maharashtra.