India News

Bhujbal’s Ministerial Snub sparks tension within NCP leadership

An angry NCP chief Ajit Pawar tore into party leader Chhagan Bhujbal, believed to be sulking after being denied a ministerial berth in the new Maharashtra government, saying there was a need to give opportunities to newer people and that misunderstandings should not be created.

Though not naming Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar said, “Sometimes new people have to be given a chance. It is not right to unnecessarily create misunderstandings.” His comments indicated a possible route for Bhujbal, who was one of the MLAs who had sided with Ajit Pawar during his rebellion against NCP chief Sharad Pawar last year. Ajit Pawar hinted the possibility of offering Bhujbal a role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, saying, “We have also thought about how we can give a chance to (senior) people at the centre.”

The NCP, part of both the state as well as central governments led by the BJP, has been alloted nine ministerial berths in return for the backing of 41 MLAs. However, Bhujbal, a strong leader among OBC voters and previously the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection of the State, was not included within the list of appointments.

In a recent statement in Nashik, Bhujbal expressed his frustration, claiming that Ajit Pawar and senior leader Praful Patel had promised to discuss his ministerial prospects but failed to follow through. “I am not a toy in their hands,” he asserted.

Bhujbal further claimed that his candidature was cleared by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but the NCP group thwarted his candidature. “Fadnavis wanted me. till the end, Fadnavis was trying to push for me,” he said and termed his treatment in the entire process as “objectionable.” Seeking compensation for the Rajya Sabha loss, Bhujbal mentioned a missed opportunity for him to go to the Rajya Sabha, which was given to Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra.

Despite Bhujbal’s complaints and protests from his supporters in Pune and Baramati, Ajit Pawar had remained silent. Speculation was rife that Bhujbal might return to Sharad Pawar’s faction, start his own party, or even align with the BJP.

On Sunday, representatives of different OBC groups called on Bhujbal and told him that they were unhappy with his exclusion from the cabinet while promising to stand by him in the future. The opposition is also trying to reach out to Bhujbal. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Congress MLA Nitin Raut have made sympathetic overtures to him. Even the Sharad Pawar faction in the NCP has declared solidarity with Bhujbal in these troubled times.

Source
NDTV

HD News Desk

From local issues to national events and global affairs, Hindustan Dot's news desk covers the latest news and developments from India and the world.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button