Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has a solution to strengthen unity among Opposition parties, even as a rebellion appears to be brewing within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), one of the key constituents of the INDIA alliance.
Speaking to India Today TV on Friday, the Rajya Sabha MP pitched for all breakaway factions of the Congress to merge back with the party, arguing that it is the need of the hour if the Opposition wants to resist the Bharatiya Janata Party’s dominance.
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“TMC, NCP and other breakaway factions of the Congress should merge into their parent party,” he said.
Raut argued that a stronger Congress would be better placed to steer the Opposition, adding that the BJP wants to eliminate smaller regional parties from India’s political landscape.
“There were regional outfits even during the Nehru and Indira eras. But the BJP believes in one nation, one party and one election,” he claimed.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also blamed the BJP for attempting to break the Trinamool Congress, claiming that the move reflects the saffron party’s greed for power.
At least 60 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs have rebelled against party chief Mamata Banerjee, while 23 MPs are reportedly in touch with the rebels, according to sources.
Raut also raised questions over the BJP’s electoral successes, alleging that the party has gamed the system to secure repeated victories.
“Only God and Shri Ram know how the BJP keeps winning elections,” he said sarcastically.
He further claimed that the BJP would have fared poorly had the recently held election been conducted using ballot papers.
Known for his candid views on political developments, Raut also weighed in on the apparent rift between the Congress and the DMK. A day after the DMK decided to skip a crucial INDIA alliance meeting on June 8, he said the party should remain within the alliance in the interest of Opposition unity.
“Rahul Gandhi had spoken to the DMK and informed MK Stalin about the need to support the TVK. Yet, the DMK is miffed. I hope the party rethinks its decision soon,” he said.
He also argued that the INDIA alliance should welcome the TVK, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, into its fold.
Raut’s comments on Opposition unity come at a time when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), of which his party is a key constituent, is struggling to keep its flock together ahead of Maharashtra’s Municipal Council elections. At least six MVA candidates have withdrawn their nominations, helping the BJP-led Mahayuti win those seats unopposed.
His emphasis on unity reflects growing concerns within Opposition parties about the BJP’s expanding footprint across India, often at the expense of smaller regional outfits.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
