Attack on Owaisi seems pre-planned, says Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut

Talking about his party’s plans regarding the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Raut said the Shiv Sena will contest on 50 to 60 seats.

The attack on AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi seemed pre-planned, said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut while speaking to Aaj Tak on Saturday.

"The attack seemed political and pre-planned. Whoever is behind the attack has some motive. He did not want Owaisi to die, but to send a message to a particular community," Sanjay Raut said.

"If they [BJP] don't choose the path of dishonesty, their government will fall. This is how they turned the situation in their favour in Bihar as well," he added.

While speaking about the alliance with the Congress for UP elections, Sanjay Raut said the talks were held, but it was too late then.

"We will be contesting on 50-60 seats in UP, in alliance with some small parties. We have already declared candidates on around 20 seats in Uttar Pradesh. We will also contest the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh on 15 to 20 seats," he said.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena MP also said that Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party (SP) is getting the support of people in UP. "Had Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Mayawati joined hands with the SP, the whole scenario of the elections would have changed. But she is not coming out due to fear of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). There is no need to fear the ED," he said.

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