Sanjay Raut: 'Shiv Sena's Strength Lies In Workers, Not MLAs Or MPs'

Unable to reel in the six Lok Sabha MPs who have rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray, as they are unconvinced of his leadership style, Shiv Sena UBT has conjured up a new weapon from its arsenal to save face - nonchalance. Sanjay Raut, one of the three MPs who resolutely back Uddhav Thackeray and who bitterly critiqued the rebels, has now said the party won't miss them much. "People come and leave, but the party moves ahead," Raut told NDTV, asserting that the party's future does not depend on elected representatives. Speaking to NDTV as the Shiv Sena marked its 60th foundation year, Raut said the organisation had survived several crises since its formation in 1966 and would outlast the latest round of defections.