Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed that Congress MLC Dhiraj Lingade was offered Rs 20 crore to defect to the Eknath Shinde Sena. Raut referred to Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir’s recent switchover to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Lingade however said he had not received any such offer. Lingade is a Congress MLC from the Amravati graduates constituency.“I have heard that there is a legislator named Lingade who has received an offer of Rs 20 crore. It is a story from the day before yesterday. This legislator has been given an offer. He is not our MLC. The legislature session is going on, discussions are going on, a certain person has been given an offer. He has been offered Rs 20 crore by the Shinde faction and promised to be given MLC status in the upcoming elections,” Raut claimed.“I have not received any such offer. Sanjay Raut is the leader of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), I am surprised on what basis he made this statement. I have not received any such offer. This statement is wrong. I have no contact with anyone. I am a graduate constituency MLC. I meet the ministers and the Chief Minister for work, they all meet. Even if an offer comes, I am not an MLC who falls prey to offers of money. I am a Congress MLC and I am working through the Congress,” Lingade said.“You are breaking MLAs, MPs and party workers by offering money. How much more do you want? I have learnt that Eknath Shinde is unwell due to overwork. If he is ill, I pray for his recovery, and along with him, I hope Maharashtra’s health also improves,” Raut said.
