Maharashtra NCP Rajya Sabha bypoll: Tatkare denies Bhujbal rift as Jain gets ticket

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare dismissed reports that senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal is unhappy about missing the party’s Rajya Sabha bypoll nomination. Tatkare praised Bhujbal’s long-standing contribution and said the decision to field Rajendra Jain was unanimous, noting parties cannot meet every aspirant’s expectations.

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare rejected talk of unrest over the party’s Rajya Sabha pick. Tatkare said senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s work was valued by the party. Tatkare also said it was not possible to meet every leader’s hopes. The comments came as the party backed Rajendra Jain for a bypoll.

The June 18 Rajya Sabha bypoll became necessary after Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar resigned. Sunetra Pawar resigned after winning the Baramati assembly seat. Bhujbal was widely seen as the leading contender for the nomination. The Nationalist Congress Party NCP instead named Rajendra Jain for the seat.

NCP Rajya Sabha bypoll decision and Chhagan Bhujbal

Bhujbal is a founding leader of the party, Tatkare said while addressing reporters. "Bhujbal is a founding leader of the party. From the partys inception, his contribution and hard work have been immense. His respect, his views and the issues important to him have always been considered, and they will continue to be considered in the future,\" Tatkare told reporters here.

Tatkare said the party’s choice was made with full agreement within the organisation. The decision was taken at a party meeting, Tatkare said. Bhujbal and senior leader Dilip Walse-Patil attended the meeting. Tatkare added that party workers expected fairness later as well.

Tatkare also linked the issue to the limited number of seats available. \"No political party can satisfy everyone. When there is one seat, the number of aspirants is much higher. There is nothing wrong with having expectations. Everyone has contributed to the party in their own way, said Tatkare.\"

NCP finance ministry demand in Mahayuti government

Tatkare spoke about the NCP’s pending demand for the finance ministry portfolio. Tatkare said senior party leaders would meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon. \"We have not yet met the chief minister, but we will. Senior party leaders will meet him and discuss this issue. There are many matters, but this one is at the top of the agenda, he said.\"

The finance portfolio was earlier held by then Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Since Pawars death in a plane crash, Fadnavis has been managing the department. Tatkare did not give a date for the meeting. Tatkare only said the issue remained a priority for discussion.

NCP response to Eknath Shinde meetings with Amit Shah

Tatkare also dismissed claims of internal shifts in the ruling alliance. The remarks followed deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Tatkare said such meetings were routine within the NDA. Tatkare said Shinde was focused on party work within Shiv Sena.

Tatkare said Shinde’s outreach did not signal any larger change in the Mahayuti arrangement. \"Shinde is trying to strengthen his organisation Shiv Sena. There is nothing wrong. Amit Shah is one of the principal leaders of the NDA. There is nothing unusual if leaders of alliance partners meet and discuss matters with the NDA leadership, he added.\" Tatkare maintained that alliance discussions were normal.

With inputs from PTI