Sunil Raut Booked for Derogatory Remarks Against Rival Woman Candidate in Maharashtra

In a significant development in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Sunil Raut, the Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator and brother of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, has been booked by the Mumbai Police over derogatory remarks he made against his rival woman candidate, Suvarna Karanje. This incident has sparked controversy, with political leaders from both sides reacting strongly.

What Happened: The Alleged Remarks

The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, during a campaign rally in Tagore Nagar, located in the Vikhroli area of Mumbai. Sunil Raut, who represents the Vikhroli constituency, made controversial comments about Suvarna Karanje, a candidate from the rival faction of the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde.

While addressing his supporters, Raut allegedly referred to Karanje as a “bakri” (goat) that would be sacrificed on polling day, November 20, 2024. He is reported to have said, “This goat will be slaughtered on November 20.” This remark, intended to belittle Karanje, was aimed at rallying his base, especially among Muslim voters in his constituency.

The comments quickly went viral on social media, with the video of Raut’s statement circulating widely. Following the public backlash, Karanje filed a formal complaint with the Vikhroli police on November 4, leading to the registration of an FIR against Sunil Raut.

Legal Action Taken

The Mumbai Police filed the FIR based on Karanje’s complaint. The police invoked Section 79, 351(2), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (Indian Penal Code). These sections relate to actions that provoke violence and undermine public peace, marking a serious legal step in the case.

In response to the FIR, Sunil Raut’s brother, Sanjay Raut, dismissed the charges as politically motivated. He claimed that such “fake cases” were a common tactic used by political opponents during elections and vowed to retaliate after the election results are declared on November 23, 2024.

Political Reactions: A Divided Response

The remarks have prompted strong reactions from both political sides.

National Commission for Women (NCW) Responds

The National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the remarks made by Sunil Raut. In a statement, the NCW expressed its disapproval, calling the comments “unacceptable” and contrary to the values of equality and respect for women as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The NCW has urged the Maharashtra police to take swift action and submit a detailed report on the matter. The Commission took suo-motu cognizance of the incident, further escalating the legal and political pressure on Raut.

Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) Calls for Action

Meanwhile, leaders from the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde have demanded that Sunil Raut’s candidacy be canceled, describing his behavior as unfit for a public representative. Suvarna Karanje, who has been a three-time corporator, also condemned Raut’s remarks, accusing him of disrespecting women. She challenged him to a face-to-face debate, highlighting her own contributions to the area in contrast to his track record.

A Pattern of Controversial Remarks

This is not the first time Sunil Raut has been at the center of a controversy. In the past, he has faced accusations of making disparaging remarks about women in politics. Karanje, in particular, has been vocal about previous incidents where Raut allegedly insulted her by comparing her to “Kaikeyi,” the stepmother of Lord Ram, which she found deeply disrespectful.

In another incident, earlier in the week, an FIR was filed against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant for making offensive remarks about Shaina NC, who is also contesting the Maharashtra elections under the Shinde-led Shiv Sena banner.

Upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024

The remarks come at a crucial time, just weeks ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which will take place on November 20, 2024. The elections are expected to be highly competitive, with candidates from both Shiv Sena factions—UBT and Shinde—battling for control in several key constituencies.

Political analysts have pointed out that such controversies could influence voters’ perceptions, especially with the increasing scrutiny of political figures’ conduct in the public eye.

Summary

As the Maharashtra Assembly elections draw nearer, the incident involving Sunil Raut has become a focal point of debate. The legal proceedings, as well as the political fallout, are expected to shape the campaign rhetoric in the coming weeks. With more controversies likely to emerge, the political landscape in Maharashtra is becoming increasingly charged as election day approaches.

Sunil Raut’s controversial remarks and the subsequent legal action highlight the volatile nature of electoral politics in India, where personal attacks and provocative statements often become a central part of the discourse leading up to major elections.