Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his best wishes to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, after the latter announced that he was stepping away from public life due to a serious health condition.
The development has sparked widespread reactions in Maharashtra’s political circles, given Raut’s prominent role as one of the strongest voices of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena.
PM Modi Sends Message on X, Raut Responds Graciously
The exchange began when Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that he had been diagnosed with a serious illness and was advised complete rest by doctors.
Shortly after, Prime Minister Modi posted a message on X, saying:
“Praying for your speedy recovery and good health, Sanjay Raut Ji.”
Responding warmly, Raut replied in Hindi:
“Respected Prime Minister Ji, thank you! My family is grateful to you! Jai Hind! Jai Maharashtra!”
Raut Confirms He Is Undergoing Treatment
Earlier in the day, Sanjay Raut revealed that his health had deteriorated and that he was currently under medical supervision.
He wrote:
“You have all loved and trusted me. But I have developed serious health issues and am undergoing treatment. I will come out of this. As per medical advice, I have been asked not to step out or mingle in public.”
Raut expressed hope that he would recover completely and return to public life by next year.
Political Absence at a Critical Time
Raut’s announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment for Maharashtra, which is preparing for a series of important elections — including municipal council polls in November, Zilla Parishad elections in December, and the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections expected in January 2026.
The BMC, long considered Shiv Sena’s traditional stronghold, is a crucial political and symbolic battlefield — especially after the 2022 split between Uddhav Thackeray’s faction and the Eknath Shinde-led camp.
Raut, known for his strategic acumen and vocal defense of the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was expected to play a central role in the opposition’s campaign. His temporary withdrawal will leave a noticeable void in the party’s public outreach efforts.
A Consistent Critic of PM Modi
Over the years, Sanjay Raut has been one of the most outspoken critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led central government.
In November 2024, he criticized the PM’s slogan “Ek hai toh safe hai”, remarking that “people are already safe in Maharashtra, but whenever Modi visits, he creates divisions and unrest.”
Earlier, in April 2024, Raut accused the Prime Minister of violating the Model Code of Conduct by “using his office for campaigning” during the Lok Sabha elections, and claimed that Modi’s Mumbai visit was “to look for land for Gautam Adani.”
His sharp comments have not been limited to domestic politics. In August 2023, Raut questioned the Prime Minister’s stance on China, saying:
“China released a new map. Do you have the courage to conduct a surgical strike on China?”
Similarly, in September 2024, he criticized PM Modi’s visit to then–Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganesh Puja, saying it “raised doubts about judicial neutrality” in the Maharashtra disqualification case.
Maharashtra Politics Ahead Without Raut
Raut’s absence comes as a setback for the Opposition INDIA bloc, which had planned a major protest against the Election Commission on November 1.
With Maharashtra heading into a series of crucial elections, Raut’s temporary exit from active politics could alter campaign dynamics. His fiery speeches and strong public presence have often been a unifying force for the Shiv Sena (UBT) cadre.
As he now focuses on recovery, many in the party hope that his return will coincide with the final phase of campaigning for the BMC elections, a contest widely seen as a prestige battle for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.
Sanjay Raut’s Health Message: “I Will Come Out of This Stronger”
Concluding his message, Raut struck an optimistic tone:
“This is just a phase. I’ll be back soon, stronger than ever.”
While his announcement prompted concern among his supporters, messages of solidarity and good wishes poured in from across political lines, underscoring his stature in Maharashtra politics.
