Why Did Chhagan Bhujbal Skip the Cabinet Meeting?

Synopsis

In a surprising turn of events, senior OBC minister Chhagan Bhujbal did not attend the Maharashtra state cabinet meeting following a government resolution that could impact Maratha inclusion in the OBC list. His absence raises questions about internal dissent and the future course of OBC policies. What does this mean for the community?

Key Takeaways

Chhagan Bhujbal was absent from a significant cabinet meeting.
The government resolution may impact Maratha inclusion in the OBC list.
Legal experts are reviewing the government's resolution.
Bhujbal urged the OBC community to stay peaceful.
His absence signifies possible internal discord within the government.

Mumbai, Sep 3 (NationPress) A day after the Maharashtra government released a resolution regarding the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette, which could facilitate the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC list, senior OBC minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal opted to miss the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“I attended the pre-Cabinet meeting. However, I had a pre-arranged appointment, which is why I couldn't be present at the state cabinet meeting,” Bhujbal stated.

He has previously indicated that the government resolution concerning the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette is currently under examination by legal experts for potential legal challenges ahead.

Sources from the NCP reported that deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar reached out to Minister Bhujbal via phone, given his apparent dissent towards the government resolution. Yet, this conversation did not alter Bhujbal’s choice to skip the cabinet meeting.

Later in the day, Minister Bhujbal released a statement urging OBCs to maintain their composure and allow the legal review to be finalized.

“Appropriate legal measures will be taken once we have analyzed the GR. Until then, I urge everyone to stay calm and refrain from actions such as burning or tearing government documents,” he expressed.

Minister Bhujbal had previously convened a meeting with OBC organizations amid the agitation led by Manoj Jarange-Patil in Mumbai. Historically, he has been proactive in advocating for OBC issues through the Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad. He also called on OBC members and organizations to avoid hasty protests or extreme measures while the government resolution is being scrutinized, urging them to remain peaceful.

When questioned about whether Minister Bhujbal boycotted the cabinet meeting, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant remarked, “I cannot confirm if he boycotted, but his chair was unoccupied.”

In addition to missing the cabinet meeting, Minister Bhujbal also did not attend the dinner hosted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for ministers and legislators at his official residence in honor of the ongoing Ganesh festival.

Point of View

This situation illustrates the complexities within the Maharashtra government concerning OBC representation and rights. Chhagan Bhujbal's absence from the cabinet meeting highlights potential disagreements among leaders, especially regarding sensitive issues like caste classifications. As a national editor, it is crucial to observe how these dynamics unfold and their repercussions on OBC communities.