Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who is sulking over not being included in the new Mahayuti government, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Sagar Bungalow, on Monday. The discussion, according to Bhujbal, revolved around Maharashtra’s social and political climate.
While Bhujbal highlighted that the conversation was constructive, CM Fadnavis told the media that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar had suggested sending Bhujbal to the Center to help expand the party’s presence on the national stage.
Bhujbal, however, seems to have other plans in mind. Pawar, reportedly unhappy with Bhujbal’s direct meeting with the CM, stated that the matter of Bhujbal’s grievances was an internal party issue and would be resolved amicably.
Bhujbal was accompanied by his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, and the meeting lasted over 30 minutes. Following the discussion, Bhujbal informed the media that the CM had acknowledged the vital role played by OBCs in the victory of Mahayuti during the assembly elections.
The CM assured that the interests of the OBC community would not be compromised, and that he would need 10-12 days to resolve related concerns.
When asked about Ajit Pawar’s suggestion to offer cabinet positions to newer faces, Bhujbal commented, “That’s fine, but Pawar needs to first define who qualifies as young. Is someone who is 67-68 years old considered young?”
He also pointed out that he was denied the opportunity to contest both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections, despite his interest, and questioned the rationale behind his potential move to the national level while neglecting his own constituency.
Bhujbal also dismissed speculation about joining the BJP, reiterating that his main concern remained his exclusion from the cabinet.
In response, Fadnavis clarified that while Ajit Pawar believes Bhujbal should focus on national politics, Bhujbal himself has different priorities. The CM also made it clear that Bhujbal would not be joining the BJP, as the three parties in Mahayuti were collaborating equally.
The meeting between Bhujbal and Fadnavis has sparked considerable political speculation.
