Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut announced on Friday that he will be stepping away from public life for the next two months to address significant health issues. The 63-year-old politician stated that he is currently undergoing treatment and expressed confidence in making a full recovery and returning soon.
Raut, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, is a prominent voice within Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena and is recognized for his assertive stance against the BJP-led NDA government. He shared in a statement on X that medical advice has led to him being instructed to avoid public appearances and gatherings for a period, expressing his regret but also his strong belief in a complete recovery and a return to public life in the upcoming year.
Sources close to Raut indicate that doctors have recommended rest due to his history of undergoing two angioplasties in 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to wish Raut a swift recovery and good health, posting, “Praying for your speedy recovery and good health, Sanjay Raut Ji.”
Raut’s temporary withdrawal from the political scene is considered a notable development for Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), especially with local body elections anticipated in the coming months. Raut has historically played a crucial role in political alliances, including his efforts to bring Uddhav and Raj Thackeray together for civic polls.