Sanjay Raut Lauds Vijay Mallya

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and spokesman Sanjay Raut has given a clean chit to absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya. Refusing to call Mallya an ‘absconder’ (Bhagoda), Raut feels that he should have been bailed out by the Modi government, which he said has anyway done for a number of defaulters. These and other observations and claims of Raut are part of his upcoming new book, “Bodh Keertan.” Raut has written 17 books so far, the latest being about his 100 days in ED custody. The book did not cause ripples as expected. However, the new book may become sensational but its contents are known only selectively at the moment. Also, the possible date of release is not made known so far. The book consists Raut’s observations, memories, anecdotes and mini poems. In the book, Raut has reiterated his prophecy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be out of power by April 2027. While these are not taken seriously, his fulsome praise of Mallya has raised many eyebrows. Recalling a meeting with the elusive distiller at Mumbai airport, Raut has vividly described how Mallya was sporting a tilak on his forehead and carrying a pooja flower. The timing of the book teaser is considered significant in view of a closed-door meeting of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis with Uddhav and Raj Thackeray at a book launch event.