Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut meets Rahul Gandhi, pitches for joint Opposition action
New Delhi, Oct 5: With opposition leaders prevented from going to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday met Rahul Gandhi and said a united opposition is very important to save democracy in the country.
He is learnt to have discussed the formulation of a joint opposition strategy on the issue of Lakhimpur Kheri violence and the detention of prominent leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Raut, who called on Gandhi this evening, did not share details of what transpired between the two leaders but said a joint action by political parties was needed against this "oppression".
"I met Rahul Gandhi. We discussed many issues, but I cannot disclose what all we discussed. I have also held discussions with him on the Lakhimpur incident," he told reporters after the meeting.
"A united opposition is very important for the country and to save democracy," he said, adding they discussed the current situation in the country.
"Where is democracy? Is there any democracy left in this country...Democracy has been demolished in the country," he alleged.
He said there are other issues too besides Lakhimpur that were discussed at the meeting.
The Sena leader said that the incident in Uttar Pradesh was a matter of concern and the illegal detention of Priyanka Gandhi was wrong.
"Why Priyanka Gandhi, who is the daughter of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and the granddaughter of former prime minister Indira Gandhi who made sacrifices for the country, was detained while those committing the crime were roaming around freely," he said.
Raut said if democracy has to be saved, everyone should come together.
Asked whether a joint delegation of Opposition leaders could visit Lakhimpur Kheri in UP, the Shiv Sena MP said it is also being discussed.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who reached Lakhimpur Kheri in the wee hours on Monday, was detained in Sitapur and was not allowed to enter the village where eight persons lost their lives in violent clashes on Sunday.
Many other leaders from opposition parties, including the Congress, AAP, SP and the BSP, have been detained by the UP government and prevented from going to Lakhimpur Kheri.
"Lakhimpur Kheri violence has shaken the nation, Priyanka Gandhi has been arrested by the UP government, opposition leaders are being restricted from meeting farmers. There is a need for joint opposition action against oppression by the Government in UP," Raut earlier tweeted.
The Shiv Sena and the Congress, along with NCP, jointly run the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, after the Sena quit the BJP-led NDA alliance in 2019.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
