CM Eknath Shinde Sues Sena’s Sanjay Raut Over “Defamatory News Article”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a legal notice to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over a ‘defamatory’ article alleging that Mr. Shinde attempted to sabotage the Lok Sabha elections by working against NCP candidates.

Sanjay Raut shared the legal notice dated May 28 on X, describing it as a ‘very interesting’ and ‘funny political document.’ Sources close to the chief minister confirmed the issuance of the notice. The notice stated that in his column in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ on May 26, Mr. Raut falsely claimed that Chief Minister Shinde spent an ‘unlimited amount of money’ and distributed crores of rupees in each constituency to ensure the defeat of Ajit Pawar-led NCP candidates.

These statements were deemed not only false but also ‘defamatory and scandalous,’ intended to mislead the public and sow discord, according to the notice. ‘The defamatory news article has been published by you to gain name, fame, and political mileage for yourself and your so-called leader Shri Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray,’ the notice stated, demanding Mr. Raut to provide evidence supporting his allegations.

Failure to do so within three days would result in criminal and civil proceedings, the notice warned. The BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP are partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.”