‘Cheap Stunt’: Narwekar Hits Out At Raut Over Alibaug Video

Nagpur: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Sunday refuted allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over a video shared by him, alleging the Speaker's involvement in a dispute in Alibaug. Narwekar termed the allegations a "cheap stunt" and completely baseless aimed at gaining political mileage."It is Sanjay Raut's old habit to level baseless allegations merely to create political capital. I did not respond to such cheap stunts in the past, and I will not do so in the future either," he said.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the concluding session of the 4th Environment Youth Parliament 2026 organised by ABVP at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur, Narwekar said there was no need to pay attention to Raut's claims. "These are merely thoughts in Raut's mind and perhaps reflections of old grievances. Everyone knows what and why he speaks. The allegations are completely baseless. I frequently visit my village and farm in Alibaug. While passing along the road, I saw two people arguing and simply asked them not to fight and resolve the matter calmly. I have nothing to do with that incident. I neither conducted any land measurement nor is the land in question mine," he said.Narwekar added that whatever videos or stories Raut possesses, he is free to bring them forward, and he would respond accordingly. Asserting that his family has roots in Alibaug for nearly 150 years, he said, "Those who wish to spread such rumours may continue to do so; we are not afraid. Instead, Sanjay Raut should clarify how much land he owned in Alibaug before becoming an MP and in whose name that land stands today."The Speker also said Raut was in no position to lecture others. "Perhaps he (Raut) forgot his time in jail in the Patra Chawl case, but people did not," he said.Narwekar further alleged that it was Raut's long-standing attempt to level allegations against the Speaker and create pressure for resignation, calling the present controversy politically motivated. "The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly never compromises with his constituents," he added.During the interaction, he also responded to remarks made by senior AIMIM leader Waris Pathan regarding Tipu Sultan's picture in the 1950s original Constitution. Calling the Constitution of India the "best constitutional document in the world", Narwekar said it was inappropriate to make controversial statements about it. "The facts are before the people. If anyone wishes to provide more information about the Constitution, it should not hurt public sentiments. It is important to act responsibly," he said.