Sanjay Raut (leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) party) has publicly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following their significant victories in the 2026 Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Assam. Raut claims these results are not genuine victories but rather the product of systemic manipulation involving institutions like the Election Commission. He alleges that nearly 30 lakh voters were disenfranchised, asserting, "This election was not won, it was stolen." Raut's accusations extend beyond West Bengal and Assam, suggesting similar patterns of electoral manipulation in states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Odisha. He emphasized that the ruling party prioritizes electoral success over governance, stating, "Development, employment, women’s safety are not their priorities." Raut also criticized Mamata Banerjee for not collaborating effectively with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom he described as a visionary leader. He believes that had they worked together, the election results could have been different. Raut concluded by predicting a political downfall for PM Modi, likening it to the fate of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, suggesting that the BJP's current trajectory may lead to significant challenges ahead.