Chhagan Bhujbal Confronts CM Fadnavis Amid Rising OBC Discontent Over Cabinet Exclusion

Mumbai, Dec 23 (NationPress) Feeling disheartened due to his exclusion from the cabinet, seasoned NCP leader and founder of Samata Parishad, Chhagan Bhujbal, met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday to discuss the intensifying discontent among the OBCs, particularly after he was not granted a ministerial position.

Previously, Bhujbal caused a stir with his remarks, stating, 'Jaha Nahi Chaina, Vahan Nahi Rehna' (There is no point in staying where there is no comfort). On Monday, he remarked, 'I have informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about everything that has transpired since December 15. He has requested me for 8 to 10 days to consider the situation.' The Chief Minister acknowledged that the OBC community is upset and assured that he would contemplate addressing their grievances.

'Both my nephew Sameer Bhujbal and I had an extensive discussion with the Chief Minister about various social and political matters. We covered everything that occurred and what is currently happening. The CM mentioned that he has seen and heard several reports in the media. He further noted that the OBC community played a significant role in the Mahayuti's victory in the recent Assembly elections, and we should express our gratitude for that. Keeping this in mind, he expressed concern that the OBCs should not face any negative repercussions.' Bhujbal stated.

'Presently, due to the festive holidays, the atmosphere in the state is different. Therefore, the CM has promised to revisit our discussion and find a solution later.' Bhujbal has persistently questioned the decisions made by Ajit Pawar and Tatkare regarding his exclusion without prior consultation.

'The CM requested me to give him 8 to 10 days, after which we would reconvene. He also encouraged me to advise the OBC leaders to deliberate on the current situation's pros and cons and meet again afterwards.' Bhujbal emphasized, 'I have shared everything with the Chief Minister. He is aware of the entire situation and recognizes that the OBCs are upset.'

When asked if he would leave the NCP and join the BJP, he responded, 'I have shared all my thoughts with the Chief Minister, and I won’t comment further.'

In response to Bhujbal's exclusion from the cabinet and his recent meeting with CM Fadnavis, NCP chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated in Pune, 'This is an internal matter, and we will resolve it internally.'

This meeting with the CM, being the first since his exclusion from the cabinet expansion on December 15, is particularly significant as OBC organizations, including Samata Parishad, have begun organizing protests and meetings statewide against his exclusion. This meeting also serves as a strong message to NCP president and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar that while Bhujbal may be sidelined, he is certainly not out. Following his exclusion, Bhujbal has not engaged with Ajit Pawar, nor has either Pawar or state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare reached out to him either directly or via phone.

Bhujbal has already declined the party's proposal to transition to the Rajya Sabha after resigning from the Assembly, citing it as a betrayal to his constituency, Yevala. He also asserted that the party ignored his requests to nominate him for the Lok Sabha elections from the Nashik constituency and for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Moreover, Bhujbal explained that he decided to contest the Assembly elections after party leaders informed him that his presence was essential in the state. Bhujbal, who confronted pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange, was anticipating his inclusion in the cabinet.