I doubt if Modi government will last even for two years: Sanjay Raut

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said he is doubtful whether the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will survive even for two years till 2026.

If the Modi government fails to complete its term, it would also trigger a political change in Maharashtra and other states, he claimed.

Talking to reporters, Raut also dismissed speculation that some Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders might jump the ship following the party's poor showing in the November 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls.

He was responding to a question on buzz that Rajan Salvi, the former Rajapur MLA of Shiv Sena (UBT), might quit the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.

In the Lok Sabha polls held last year, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 293 seats, comfortably above the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member House, paving the way for PM Modi to be at the helm for a third consecutive term.

The BJP, however, fell well short of the majority and is dependent on allies, after enjoying a comfortable majority on its own in the previous two terms of the Modi government.

"My doubt remains whether the government at the Centre will survive till 2026. Modi will not complete his term, and when that happens, there will be changes not only in Maharashtra but also in other places (states)," Raut claimed.

On speculation that Salvi might quit the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Rajya Sabha member said he spoke to the party leader, who has expressed disappointment over some local issues.

Raut said Uddhav Thackeray was in touch with Salvi, who had been a multiple-term MLA but lost the 2024 state assembly poll from Rajapur to rival Shiv Sena leader Kiran Samant.

Asked about buzz that some Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders might switch over to other parties, Raut asserted there was no unrest in their party.

"This too shall pass. All days are not the same," he added.