Chhagan Bhujbal’s Meeting with Sharad Pawar Sparks Speculation Ahead of Maharashtra Elections
Mumbai, 15th July 2024: Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal met Sharad Pawar on Monday, sparking speculation about his future moves ahead of the critical assembly elections in Maharashtra. Bhujbal, currently a minister in the Shinde government, was one of the 40 MLAs who switched sides in July last year. Initially aspiring to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Nashik, Bhujbal’s ambitions were eclipsed when the seat was allocated to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
Following the Lok Sabha elections, where NCP faced disappointing results, Ajit Pawar nominated his wife Sunetra Pawar for the Rajya Sabha, after her unsuccessful bid from Baramati against Supriya Sule. Bhujbal, a senior figure in Ajit’s faction of the party, had his eyes set on a Rajya Sabha seat.
Reports surfaced in June suggesting Bhujbal’s contemplation of leaving the NCP. Sources within the party indicated that Bhujbal was exploring various options, including forming his party, with a likely scenario being a shift to the Shiv Sena (UBT), the party he had left three decades ago.
Close associates of the OBC leader noted his discontent over being denied a Lok Sabha ticket and feeling slighted by Sunetra’s elevation to the Rajya Sabha instead of him.
Bhujbal’s meeting with Pawar occurred just after he indirectly criticized the NCP (SP) chief, alleging that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi had boycotted a crucial all-party meeting on the Maratha quota issue on July 9 following a directive from Baramati at 5 PM.
At a rally in Baramati, Bhujbal remarked, “When social issues arise, it is expected that a senior leader like Sharad Pawar would attend and provide guidance. Deliberately boycotting and then advising later is not appropriate.”
Leaders of the MVA coalition skipped the meeting convened by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that the opposition had not been adequately consulted on the Maratha quota issue. Bhujbal claimed, “Opposition leaders abstained after a call from Baramati at 5 PM.”
He also mentioned urging the Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad to participate, adding, “I requested Awhad to bring Sharad Pawar for the meeting. Pawar Saheb implemented reservations as per V P Singh, and we are always grateful to him for that.”
Bhujbal raised questions about the opposition’s commitment to the interests of Maratha, Dhangar, and OBC communities in Baramati. “People from Maratha, Mali, and Dhangar OBC communities in Baramati may have voted for Sunetra Pawar or Supriya Sule. You may be upset with us, but why abandon these communities? Isn’t it your duty to safeguard their interests?”
