NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday defended his controversial remarks directed at suspected rebel party MPs, saying the expressions he used were part of common Marathi usage and that he knew “when and which language should be used.“Responding to criticism over his comments, Raut said that his remarks were not abusive in the context of Maharashtra’s political and social culture.“No abusive language. This is how it is used in Marathi. This is how it is used in Maharashtra. This is our regular language. The language that should be used should be used. The language that is understood should be used. And when and which language should be used, I know. I am the editor of the Saamna. I know the language,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Raut questions criticism over his remarks

Raut also questioned concerns about parliamentary decorum, arguing that wrongdoing should be punished. Referring to allegations of political defections, he said, “If someone is dishonest, what will you do with him? You will punish him. If someone is corrupt, he takes 15 crore rupees and leaves the party, what will you do with him? Will you punish him? Tell me.”Commenting on the ongoing speculation over internal dissent within Shiv Sena (UBT), Raut said the party would continue to resist any attempts to weaken it.“As long as they have the capacity to do this to us… we will keep fighting,” he said.Addressing questions on whether any MPs had formally communicated dissent, he added, “No one has officially communicated with us. Yes. We have called for a party meeting tomorrow. We have called everyone.”

Clarifies meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker

Raut also sought to clarify reports regarding his interaction with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying he had only submitted a written representation concerning media reports suggesting a possible split in the party.“I just went to see the news that was coming. That someone is separating from our party and making a new one. This is wrong. So, I gave a letter to the Speaker. I have given a caveat. So, take care of the rules and regulations. Take care of the Supreme Court’s ruling. That’s all,” he said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said no formal communication regarding any split had been received by the party.

Row erupted after remarks against suspected rebels

The controversy stems from comments made by Raut during a press conference in Delhi alongside party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai.During the interaction, he lashed out at suspected rebel MPs and warned that those wishing to leave the party should first resign from their positions.“If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” Raut had said.Raut also alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections within the party and claimed that some MPs had been offered money to switch sides.He said a whip had been issued for a parliamentary party meeting and asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would continue fighting any effort to weaken the organisation.

‘Operation Tiger‘ fuels Maharashtra political buzz

The remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra, where reports have suggested that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.However, no official announcement regarding a split has been made.The political chatter has been dubbed “Operation Tiger”, with speculation that seven of the party’s nine MPs are in touch with the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, who split from Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 along with a group of MLAs.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised Raut’s comments, saying they reflected the “collapse” of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party’s leadership.Party MP Anil Desai, however, backed Raut and said the remarks were merely slang and not directed at any particular individual.“Whatever is said, these are slang; it is not meant for anyone particularly. When an emotionally sensitive person, who has spent 50 years of his life in politics in the public sphere, speaks, such things happen,” Desai said, according to ANI.