Mumbai

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday criticised the ruling BJP, accusing it of attempting to extract political advantage even in the wake of a tragic death.

Speaking to reporters, Raut said the party appeared unconcerned about the mourning period and was instead focused on political manoeuvring. He alleged that the BJP was seeking opportunities even amid grief and loss.

Raut declined to comment on reports suggesting that Sunetra Pawar, the wife of NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, could be sworn in as a deputy chief minister. He said there was no confirmed information available regarding such a development.

“This is not the time to discuss these issues. There is a period of mourning, and I will speak on such matters once it is over,” Raut said.

Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district on January 28, in which four others also lost their lives.

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Responding to a query about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s statement that he had no knowledge of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in, Raut said that only senior BJP leaders or NCP figures such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare might be aware of any such plans.