Shiv Sena (UBT) never used lies or freebies to win elections

• Sanjay Raut takes a dig at BJP at “Uddhavshree Awards 2026”; achievers from different fields honoured in Tathawade

Pimpri : Shiv Sena has never believed in making false promises, offering inducements or manipulating the electoral process to win elections, Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said on Friday, taking an indirect swipe at the BJP.

“Shiv Sena has always worked first and then sought votes. The Opposition remembered the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme only when elections approached,” Raut said while addressing the “Uddhavshree Awards 2026” ceremony held at Tathawade.

The event was organised under the guidance of Pimpri-Chinchwad Shiv Sena city chief Chetan Mahadev Pawar to honour personalities who have made significant contributions in various fields. The awards were presented by Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Vinayak Raut.

Former MLA Adv. Gautam Chabukswar, Romi Sandhu, Maval taluka chief Ashish Thombre, Pimpri-Chinchwad Assembly contact chief Vijay Sule, Bhosari contact chief Sunil Sawant, Latika Pashte, Sushila Pawar, Gajanan Tharkude, Dnyaneshwar Shinde, Jyoti Bhave, Sachin Magar and Nitin Gholap were present.

‘Where there is a crisis, there is Shiv Sena’

Sanjay Raut said Pimpri-Chinchwad has earned its identity through the contribution of people from industry, education, sports and other fields. Shiv Sena has always stood with people during difficult times, he said. The party has also honoured those who quietly work for society and bring positive change.

‘Rebel faction has no grounds for argument’

Sanjay Raut said Shiv Sena’s arguments in the Supreme Court over the party split have been completed. He claimed the rebel faction could only present its version before the court and had no strong grounds to argue. Raut also questioned the circumstances that led the rebels to Surat, Guwahati and Goa.

‘Closure of 36,000 industries is shameful’

Vinayak Raut claimed that nearly 36 thousand industries in the region had shut down during the BJP regime, with some moving to other states. He called the situation shameful and alleged that entrepreneurs were being harassed instead of supported. He also criticised the state government over taxation and its handling of industry.

“Uddhavshree” Awardees

The “Uddhavshree Awards 2026” were conferred on achievers from diverse fields, including Dr. Santosh Mahalasakant Latkar and Dr. Rohan S. Kate from the medical field; Prof. Tukaram Patil from literature; Kashinath Vitthalrao Nakhate from the labour sector; Preeti Deepak Vaidya and Bhagyashree Girish More from the social sector; Chandpasha Ahmed Hussain Tamboli and wrestler Yogeshwar Devidas Tapkir from sports; Ramdas Bhagwan Kate from agriculture; and Dr. Sanjeevkumar Patil from the field of arts. The awardees were felicitated for their notable contributions and dedicated work in their respective fields.

The Uddhavshree Awards were not merely honours but recognition of the selfless service rendered by individuals for society. “Many of the awardees came forward and discharged their responsibilities even during the highly challenging and risky period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their dedication and commitment to society deserved recognition.”

• Chetan Pawar, City Chief, Shiv Sena (UBT), Pimpri-Chinchead