Chhagan Bhujbal Defends Dhananjay Munde, Says Resignation Not Necessary Over Beed Murder Case

Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) In response to the demands for NCP minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation pending the investigation into the gruesome murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district, veteran leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal defended him on Monday, stating that there is no necessity for Munde to resign at this moment.

“There are calls for Munde’s resignation. I would like to emphasize that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unequivocally stated that a comprehensive investigation will be undertaken, and action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” Bhujbal remarked.

“Why is there a push for Munde’s resignation before the investigation is concluded? Has any evidence emerged from the inquiry? If you possess any information, it should be provided to the police. Demanding his resignation without the outcome of the investigation is unjust. I believe this is inappropriate,” Chhagan Bhujbal expressed to reporters.

Bhujbal reminisced about his own resignation following the multi-crore stamp scam involving Abdul Telgi in 2003.

“I have experienced a similar situation. In 2003, during my tenure as the state Home Minister, Telgi was arrested, and a case was initiated against him. My resignation was sought as I was serving as both the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister. However, after assessing the circumstances, I approached the Supreme Court. Consequently, the case was transferred to the CBI.

“At that time, the Central government was led by the BJP. The CBI conducted an investigation and ruled that I was not guilty, as my name did not appear in the charge sheet. Despite this, I lost my position and my reputation suffered. I felt hurt. Nevertheless, Sharad Pawar reinstated me as a minister,” he shared.

He further stated, “I have endured significant hardships. It is not appropriate to resign without valid reasons or evidence.”

When questioned about discussions of Munde's potential inclusion in the Cabinet amid the calls for his resignation, Bhujbal stated, “I would never aspire to have someone resign so that I could assume a ministerial role. I have no intention of becoming a minister at the expense of another person’s career.”

Bhujbal made these comments shortly after an all-party delegation met with Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan to request Munde’s resignation.

Former Leader of the Opposition and Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar opposed Bhujbal’s viewpoint, asserting that Munde should step down from the Cabinet.

In a related update, Munde conferred with NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, briefing him on the operations of the food and civil supplies department he oversees.

“During my meeting with party president and Dy CM Ajit Pawar, the issues surrounding Santosh Deshmukh’s murder and my resignation were not discussed,” he stated.

“I have consistently advocated for strict action against those responsible for the murder of Santosh Deshmukh,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bhujbal confirmed that he had met with Fadnavis and NCP(SP) President Sharad Pawar last week.

“It is indeed true. I met with Chief Minister Fadnavis. January 3 marked the birthday of Savitribai Phule, and there was a significant event in his native village Naigaon. The Chief Minister and several ministers were in attendance. He promptly ordered the Collector to acquire the necessary land for development work.

“Later that evening, a grand statue of Mahatma Phule was inaugurated in Chakan, attended by NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar and myself. I wish to clarify that during my discussions with both the Chief Minister and NCP(SP) chief, we did not engage in political dialogue; our conversation centered on the contributions of social reformers Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, Bhujbal clarified on Monday that he did not meet with state president Sunil Tatkare or national working president Praful Patel after he was denied a ministerial position in Fadnavis’ cabinet.

“No such meeting occurred. I prefer not to comment on this matter any further. All my sentiments regarding this issue have faded,” he claimed.