Bhujbal to undertake state-wide outreach, intensify attack against Ajit Pawar-led NCP

Mumbai: Rattled by denial of ministerial berth in the Maha Yuti-NDA government, veteran OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has decided to undertake a Maharashtra-wide tour and meet people even as he directed his attack solely on Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar.

Meanwhile, Pawar, NCP Working President Praful Patel and Maharashtra NCP President Sunil Tatkare are expected to meet him after the winter session concludes in Nagpur.

“I am sidelined, humiliated,” said the 77-year-old, a seven-time and one-term MLC, who has held several ministerial responsibilities besides being a Deputy Chief Minister.

Bhujbal is also the President of Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, an organisation of the OBC community.

“We have to take some steps… I will go to Mumbai and consult OBC leaders… I will undertake of tour of Maharashtra… Wherever I am called I will go… However, we would not take any decision in haste… We will discuss and decided,” Bhujbal said in Nashik while addressing a meeting.

Bhujbal, however, warned his supporters not to write abusive posts on social media and engage in acts like hitting photos of Pawar with slippers. “This is not proper,” he said, adding that there is no prohibition on supporters for expressing their pain and anger. However, one must express themselves in civil words and manner.

“We will start from a scratch…therefore, we will fight again, this fight is not for ministerial post but for identity…everyone should work together,” he said, adding that there is a need for vocal legislators and leaders.

“Our fight will continue…inside the legislature…on the streets,” said Bhujbal, an orator-par-excellence, amid thunderous applause. “I am receiving calls from every taluka, every district…many people from other states have called me…I will tour Maharashtra…I will go to other states,” said Bhujbal.

“…Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare tried to convince (Pawar)…I must say, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tried to induct me in the Cabinet till the last moment,” he said launching a broadside against Pawar.

During his interaction with supporters, Bhujbal said that it is neither against the Maratha community nor Maratha reservation but against the dilution of the OBC quota.