Did Chhagan Bhujbal Challenge His Former Boss Sharad Pawar?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, veteran NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal has raised serious allegations against former mentor Sharad Pawar regarding the unrest in Jalna district. As tensions escalate, Bhujbal's remarks have sparked a fierce response from Pawar's family, bringing political dynamics to the forefront.
Key Takeaways
- Chhagan Bhujbal has raised serious allegations regarding his former mentor.
- The unrest in Antarwali-Sarati village has highlighted political tensions.
- Supriya Sule urged Bhujbal to disclose evidence to the Chief Minister.
- The incident reflects the complex dynamics within the NCP.
Nagpur/Pune, Sep 19 (NationPress) Veteran NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal has raised concerns regarding the involvement of certain MLAs from his former mentor Sharad Pawar's party in the violence that erupted in Antarwali-Sarati village of Jalna district in September 2023, which has brought Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil into the public eye.
In response, Pawar's daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule challenged Bhujbal to present any evidence he may have to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the home department.
During a gathering of the All India Mahatma Phule Samta Parishad in Nagpur, Bhujbal discussed the situation, stating, “Jarange-Patil had conducted hunger strikes at least 25 times before this incident. His efforts went unnoticed until two years ago when he refused medical assistance from police during a hunger strike. A meeting took place the night before where some MLAs from NCP (SP) participated. Stones were stockpiled at the protest site, leading to a violent confrontation with police. No one knew Jarange-Patil then, but the backing from NCP (SP) gave him the courage to act,” Bhujbal asserted, without specifying names of the MLAs involved.
However, Bhujbal clarified that he did not implicate Pawar directly in this matter, stating, “Everything I have said is recorded on video.”
In her response, Sule expressed her respect for Bhujbal, referring to him as a fatherly figure. “I kindly urge Bhujbal ji to disclose the specifics of the meeting: its timing, location, and attendees,” she remarked.
Sule also pointed out that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who manages the home portfolio, should receive any relevant information. “When Bhujbal was affiliated with Shiv Sena, he praised Balasaheb Thackeray, and for two decades, Sharad Pawar was his leader. Now, he seems to view Fadnavis as his leader. That's democracy; everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Sule stated.
NCP(SP) OBC unit head Raj Rajapurkar was more straightforward, asserting that Bhujbal's identity as an OBC leader is attributed to Sharad Pawar. “Without Sharad Pawar, Bhujbal wouldn't be recognized as an OBC leader... if he truly cares for OBCs, he should contribute his wealth to support underprivileged OBCs,” Rajapurkar suggested, additionally accusing Bhujbal of targeting Pawar under the influence of external forces.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain impartial in the face of rising political tensions. Bhujbal's comments and Sule's rebuttal reflect the complex relationships within the NCP. This incident is a reminder of the intricate interplay between personal loyalty and political ambition, a dynamic that continues to shape Maharashtra's political landscape.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Chhagan Bhujbal's remarks?
Chhagan Bhujbal questioned the involvement of certain MLAs from Sharad Pawar's party in the violence at Antarwali-Sarati village, which highlighted the role of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil.
How did Supriya Sule respond to Bhujbal's claims?
Supriya Sule challenged Bhujbal to provide evidence to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressing her respect for him while demanding clarity on the meeting he referenced.
What accusations did Raj Rajapurkar make against Bhujbal?
Raj Rajapurkar asserted that Bhujbal's identity as an OBC leader is due to Sharad Pawar and suggested that Bhujbal should support underprivileged OBCs if he truly cares for them.
