Discontented Bhujbal Participates in NCP Event at Patel's Request
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Synopsis
On January 18, Chhagan Bhujbal, a former Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader, attended the Sankalp Shibir in Shirdi at the request of Praful Patel, expressing his continued dissatisfaction over exclusion from the cabinet.
Key Takeaways
- Chhagan Bhujbal attended the NCP convention at Praful Patel's urging.
- His dissatisfaction with the cabinet exclusion remains evident.
- Health concerns limit his participation in political events.
- Party unity is emphasized amid political challenges.
- Suspended legislator Satish Chavan rejoined Ajit Pawar's faction.
Shirdi, Jan 18 (NationPress) Former Maharashtra Minister and prominent NCP figure Chhagan Bhujbal, who is still feeling disgruntled over his exclusion from the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet, made his appearance at the party’s two-day Sankalp Shibir in Shirdi on Saturday.
The gathering was designed to commemorate the NCP’s impressive electoral success in the recent Assembly elections while formulating strategies for the upcoming local and civic body elections.
Bhujbal, who has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the lack of a ministerial position, stated that his presence at the convention was solely due to the persuasion of NCP working president Praful Patel. He pointed out that neither party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar nor other senior members reached out to him directly for an invitation.
“I attended because Praful Patel came to see me and we had a lengthy discussion for two hours. Additionally, state unit chief Sunil Tatkare also contacted me and urged my attendance. However, this does not imply that everything is settled,” Bhujbal explained.
Despite skipping a legislative meeting called by Ajit Pawar last Tuesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s session with legislators on January 15, Bhujbal maintained that his health remains a significant concern. “I will stay for a brief period, but I do not plan to speak. My health is not in good condition,” he remarked, adding that there are no plans for him to transition to the Rajya Sabha, nor does he intend to abandon his Yevla constituency or his commitments with the Samata Parishad.
When questioned if Ajit Pawar had personally invited him, Bhujbal curtly replied, “No.”
Despite Bhujbal’s evident discontent, he minimized the situation’s significance. “This is a meeting for the party, not an individual,” he commented, indicating that maintaining party unity is crucial amidst ongoing political challenges.
Notably absent from the convention was NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde, who is facing scrutiny from opposition parties regarding his alleged connections to Walmik Karad, an associate involved in the violent murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district.
While opposition factions are calling for Munde’s resignation, Ajit Pawar has rejected these demands, asserting that three investigative agencies are looking into the matter and that accountability will be enforced.
In a noteworthy development, suspended party legislator Satish Chavan, who had aligned with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and contested the Assembly election from the Gangapur constituency, rejoined the Ajit Pawar faction during the Shirdi convention, leading to the revocation of his suspension.
