Chhagan Bhujbal fires back: ‘I am not a toy in anyone’s hand!’

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed his frustration after being denied a ministerial post, despite support from Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. On the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly’s Winter Session, Bhujbal, upset over his exclusion, spoke to reporters from his hometown of Nashik. He linked his omission from the Cabinet to his strong stance on the Maratha movement and support for the OBC community.

“I’m not a puppet to blindly follow orders,” Bhujbal stated, making it clear he was not one to bow down. While Fadnavis had pushed for his inclusion, Bhujbal claimed his exclusion was the decision of NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

He criticized Pawar’s leadership, stating that, just as Fadnavis makes decisions in the BJP, Ajit Pawar holds similar sway in the NCP.

Bhujbal also shared his struggles with the party, recounting how Ajit Pawar had encouraged him to contest the Lok Sabha elections, only to be sidelined later. “After waiting over a month for my name to be announced, I opted out,” Bhujbal explained. He also declined an offer to join the Rajya Sabha, arguing that resigning as an MLA would betray his voters’ trust.

Bhujbal’s dissatisfaction grew as he revealed that he had not communicated with Ajit Pawar since the Cabinet formation. In response, senior NCP leader Praful Patel acknowledged Bhujbal’s desire for a Rajya Sabha seat but offered little clarity.

Bhujbal fired back, saying, “Am I a pawn in your hands?” He added that despite his earlier request to join the Rajya Sabha, his name was repeatedly rejected.

Ultimately, Bhujbal pointed out the contradiction between the party’s promises and actions. Despite winning the Yeola seat and working for the party’s victory, Bhujbal was now being asked to resign from the Assembly for the Rajya Sabha. “How can I betray my constituency now?” he questioned, indicating his next steps would depend on his supporters’ discussions in Nashik.