Ex-Maharashtra Minister Quits Shiv Sena, Claims to Block Bhujbal's Party Return

Baban Gholap, former Maharashtra minister and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena UBT has resigned from his post. He also claimed that he had prevented NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal from rejoining their party a year ago.

Former Maharashtra minister Baban Gholap made a surprising revelation on Sunday, September 10, that he has stepped down from his position as the deputy leader of the Shiv Sena UBT. His resignation comes amidst claims that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member Chhagan Bhujbal had intentions to rejoin their party a year ago. However, according to Gholap, he was instrumental in preventing this move.

Gholap's Role in Thwarting Bhujbal's Return

Baban Gholap is a seasoned politician who has represented Nashik Road-Deolali assembly constituency for five consecutive terms. He shared that during his visit to Delhi last year, Milind Narvekar of Shiv Sena informed him about Bhujbal's plans to return to the party fold. This news prompted Gholap to take immediate action and meet with then-Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

Bhujbal's Political Journey

Chhagan Bhujbal is currently serving as a minister in Eknath Shinde's cabinet and has had an interesting political journey so far. He began his career with Shiv Sena and remained associated with them for over two decades before shifting allegiances. In 1991, he left Shiv Sena to join the Congress party and later became part of NCP founded by Sharad Pawar.

The Conversation With Uddhav Thackeray

In his meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Gholap expressed concerns regarding Bhujbal’s potential return due to past conflicts within the party involving late supremo Balasaheb Thackeray among others. "I asked Uddhavji how a person who troubled late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, arrested him, filed cases against me, Raj Thackeray and many others can join the party. He has troubled all of us, Shiv Sainiks. If he joins the party, where will we go," Gholap told reporters while recalling his conversation with Thackeray.

Following this intervention by Gholap, Uddhav Thackeray was reportedly persuaded to reconsider Bhujbal's re-entry into the party. The ex-MLA claimed that after their discussion, Thackeray decided against welcoming Bhujbal back into Shiv Sena.

Conclusion

The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be dynamic and unpredictable with these latest revelations from Baban Gholap. His resignation as deputy leader of Shiv Sena UBT and the claims about thwarting Chhagan Bhujbal's return signify a shift in internal politics within the party. As these developments unfold further, it remains to be seen how they will impact future alliances and power dynamics within Maharashtra’s political scenario.