MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena has refused refused to accept MP Kirit Somaiya’s apology letter and is still opposing him. Sena MLA Sunil Raut, who is also the younger brother of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, has announced that he will contest independently against Somaiya if the latter gets ticket from BJP.
Sunil Raut decided to contest from Mumbai North East Lok Sabha constituency as an independent candidate, if the BJP nominates sitting MP Kirit Somaiya again. Somaiya is trying to convince the Shiv Sena leadership and was ready to apologise to Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray in writing for his allegations against the Thackeray family during Mumbai civic elections. Somaiya had alleged that that there is a mafia raj in the BMC, headed by Matoshri (Thackeray family). This raised direct questions over the Thackerays’ source of income.
Somaiya’s allegations left the Thackeray family fuming. Uddhav Thackeray showed his displeasure over his allegations, saying it was too personal. This is the reason why the Shiv Sena is strongly opposing Somaiya’s nomination
After Somaiya’s proposal of apology, Uddhav Thackeray said that there is no need of such mafinama (apology letter). But this may be a pressure tactic from the Shiv Sena to ensure Somaiya doesn’t get a ticket from the BJP. The BJP is yet to announce candidate of Mumbai North East constituency. The Sena has demanded not to field Somaiya or any member from his family for the constituency.
The BJP may field newly inducted Congress leader Pravin Chheda or corporator Manoj Kotak from this seat as minister Prakash Mehta has declined to contest Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, Sunil Raut has announced that he will file his nomination form on Gudhi Padwa-the auspicious day on April 6 from the Mumbai North East seat.
BJP leaders are now trying to convince Thackeray. BJP MLC Prasad Lad visited Matoshree and met Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday.
