Supporters of Chhagan Bhujbal Protest Exclusion from Maharashtra Cabinet Amid OBC Concerns

Supporters of Chhagan Bhujbal, a senior figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), protested in Pune on Tuesday. They were upset about his exclusion from the newly formed Maharashtra cabinet, viewing it as an affront to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Demonstrations also took place outside Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's residence in Baramati, Pune district.

Despite being a veteran leader within the NCP, Bhujbal was not given a cabinet position. This decision has angered many, who see it as disrespectful to OBCs. "If senior leaders were to be given cabinet posts, why was Bhujbal overlooked?" questioned a protester outside the Pune district collectorate. NCP members wore black attire and criticised Ajit Pawar.

Protests and Demands

One protester urged Ajit Pawar to announce Bhujbal as Deputy Chief Minister after 2.5 years, highlighting Bhujbal's significance as an OBC leader. Another noted that Bhujbal supported OBC causes when activist Manoj Jarange demanded OBC status for Marathas for job and education quotas through hunger strikes.

Earlier, Bhujbal indirectly criticised Ajit Pawar, suggesting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supported his cabinet inclusion but was ultimately ignored. He expressed feeling humiliated by the NCP leadership's treatment despite not seeking a ministerial role.

Internal Party Tensions

In Nashik, Bhujbal openly criticised Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders like Praful Patel for sidelining senior members without consultation. He accused Ajit Pawar of favouring certain leaders while neglecting experienced ones like himself.

Meanwhile, Deepak Mankar, NCP's Pune city president, cautioned Bhujbal's supporters against criticising Ajit Pawar. "No OBC leader has had as many opportunities as Bhujbal saheb," he stated. Mankar warned that continued criticism would prompt a strong response from the NCP.

NCP Leadership Dynamics

Mankar emphasised that Bhujbal is not the sole OBC leader, noting that four legislators from this community have become ministers under the NCP quota. In Mahayuti, 15 OBC leaders have secured ministerial roles. He also highlighted that two months ago, Ajit Pawar appointed Bhujbal's son, Pankaj, as an MLC.

The protests underscore tensions within the NCP regarding leadership decisions and representation of OBC leaders in Maharashtra's political landscape. The exclusion of prominent figures like Bhujbal from key positions has sparked significant discontent among supporters and party members alike.