Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has launched a sharp attack on the ruling party over the escalating cost of living, highlighting the impact of price hikes on everyday essentials like tea. Speaking to journalists, the politician drew attention to how inflation affects common citizens while criticizing the diversion of sugarcane supplies toward ethanol manufacturing instead of sugar production.
Rising Costs of Essential Items and Ethanol Diversion
Detailing the sharp rise in everyday living expenses, Raut noted that a simple cup of tea now costs 15 rupees, whereas elite establishments charge anywhere between 200 and 300 rupees for the same beverage. Reflecting on past times, the Sena leader said, "Our life started with 50-paise tea." He offered a satirical take on the situation, suggesting that government supporters might soon label tea consumption as unlawful or anti-national under the guise of patriotism. He contrasted the daily struggle of working people trying to afford a single cup of tea with officials enjoying government-funded refreshments.
Views on Celebrity Remarks and Public Focus
When asked about recent critical remarks made by actor Kangana Ranaut concerning fellow actors Kriti Sanon and Taapsee Pannu, Raut advised against giving excessive media weight to such statements. He remarked that public attention should remain focused on pressing economic realities rather than entertainment feuds. According to him, citizens ought to question why basic commodities like sugar and tea have become increasingly unaffordable due to policy decisions prioritizing ethanol production over food supplies.
Language Policy in Corporate Offices and Judiciary
Addressing the ongoing debate surrounding regional languages, Sanjay Raut emphasized that constitutional provisions guaranteeing linguistic rights must be fully honored across every state. He argued that corporate entities operating in regions like Maharashtra or West Bengal should mandate the use of the local language among their workforce. High-ranking corporate executives and office personnel ought to learn and communicate in the state language, such as Marathi in Maharashtra, as a matter of regional pride and self-respect.
At the same time, Raut advocated for the broader adoption of Hindi as a unifying national tongue. He stated that if English is viewed as a remnant of colonial rule, then senior bureaucrats and the Supreme Court should write and speak in Hindi during official proceedings. Aligning his views with recent remarks by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Raut asserted that enforcing regional language norms promotes self-esteem while maintaining national linguistic unity.
