Mumbai: A storm of controversy has broken out on Maharashtra’s political horizon following sensational allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. A senior leader alleged that black magic pujas were held at Varsha Bungalow, the official Chief Minister’s residence, triggering discussions over superstitions ruling the roost in the state machinery.
Raut’s Explosive Claims
On Tuesday, Raut had claimed in a conversation with a section of the media that buffalo horns, believed to be used in sacrifices at the Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati, were buried in the garden of the bungalow for use in occult practices. He alleged the rituals were performed to safeguard a Chief Minister’s tenure. Speaking further, Raut alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has not stayed there after his oath for the past two months because of the same fear. Even BJP leaders inside are murmurs on these rituals, he said. Raut also challenged Fadnavis to ask why,y the latter is staying at Sagar Bungalow as opposed to proposed, which is allocated to the Chief Minister of the state. “Why is our CM not willing to shift into his official residence? As such, it had “serious serious implications”, he said.
Political Reactions
The BJP and Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena have heavily criticised these allegations. Khiladi maanav-like attitude of Eknath Shinde ended Satyavadi pratigyaben: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde dismissed the claims as baseless and taking inside the jail of ‘satyavad pratigya shanti pradesh’ also fell under the spell of superstition by Raut himself. Responding to such allegations, Shinde said, “Those who are making such allegations must have greater experience in such practices.” A Cabinet Minister, Sanjay Shirsat, went a step further and urged that even Raut be booked under the anti-superstition law in Maharashtra. Such irresponsible statements not only encourage blind faith but also damage the image of Maharashtra as a progressive state, Shirsat said. CM Fadnavis avoided replying directly to the allegations, but his office clarified that Varsha Bungalow was undergoing renovation work. He also mentioned personal reasons why his daughter would be taking her boards soon, so he has delayed his move.
A Broader Political Context
The controversy comes against the simmering war of words between the ruling coalition partners in Maharashtra. The deputy CM Shinde has reportedly missed important cabinet meetings in the past few days, leading to speculations over a rift within the coalition. While the black magic accusations have only added spice to the political drama, Opposition parties have criticised the ruling alliance for prioritising matters of governance.
A State Straddling the Semi-Modern and the Medieval
In Maharashtra, social reformers have fought against superstition; Mahatma Phule and Sant Gadge Baba, too, have fought against superstition. They say allegations like this dilute this legacy and take focus away from crucial governance questions. Even Raut admitted this contradiction, asking if modern politics should go that route.
While Maharashtra waits for clarification — and indeed for Fadnavis to finally shift into Varsha — on both counts, one thing is sure: even a housing controversy has morphed into a political drama that exposes cracks in the ruling alliance.