Fadnavis backed my cabinet induction in last Dec, says Bhujbal
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Nagpur: Newly-inducted Maharashtra food and civil supplies minister
Chhagan Bhujbal
on Friday said that CM
Devendra Fadnavis
made serious efforts to include him in the Mahayuti govt during its first cabinet expansion last December.
"Fadnavis was very keen on my induction in the first expansion. Not just him, PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah also tried for the same. But the party decided otherwise then," Bhujbal told reporters during his first visit to Nagpur since taking oath on May 21.
The 77-year-old NCP veteran, who represents Yeola in Nashik district, was sworn in during the second expansion of Fadnavis ministry. His return to the cabinet triggered political speculation about internal rifts amid reports of opposition within his own party.
Clarifying his stand, Bhujbal said, "Those targeting me should understand I am not a BJP minister. I belong to Ajit Pawar's NCP. It is our party that decides who becomes a minister. The CM only issues administrative directions."
Responding to corruption allegations that resurfaced after his induction, Bhujbal pointed out that the court has already exonerated him. "The verdict came during Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govt's tenure.
An 80-page order cleared me and others. The case is shut," he said referring to Delhi's Maharashtra Sadan case.
He added, "The five-star Maharashtra Sadan building is complete, but the govt hasn't paid a single rupee. We also upgraded Mumbai's RTO and built official quarters, yet no payments were made. That's why the court acquitted us."
Bhujbal remained firm on his stand against inclusion of Marathas under OBC category when asked about Maratha activist Manoj Jarange's call for a fresh agitation in August.
"We are also ready," he said.
Addressing concerns over possible discontent among NCP ranks, especially Beed MLA Dhananjay Munde, Bhujbal said, "If someone has to resign after becoming a minister, disappointment is natural. It's human nature."
Declining to comment on the guardian minister post for Nashik, Bhujbal said he would not be drawn into the discussion.
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