Latest news with #ChhaganBhujbal
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Interview: If Marathas continue to ask for reservation under OBC category, we will fight it, says Chhagan Bhujbal
Maharashtra OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who was recently inducted in the Maharashtra Cabinet, days after he had openly expressed dissent against his leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for keeping him out of the cabinet, spoke to The Hindu in an elaborate, sit-down interview . From the recent Supreme Court verdict on Maharashtra local body elections, to the OBC- Maratha reservation tussle, from the internal discussion within the party about his political prospects to the anger for being denied a Cabinet berth, from the Thackerays to the Pawars; and calling the Government's own OBC Commission report a 'sham', he spoke candidly on several issues. Here are the excerpts of the interview. Also read | Chhagan Bhujbal slams Banthia panel report on OBCs How do you see the Supreme Court's recent order asking for local body elections to be held as per the law for OBC reservation, prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report? We are very happy that we got justice from the Supreme Court. When the Mandal Commission recommendations were accepted, people went to the Supreme Court. Then, a nine-judge bench had given a verdict. That is the final verdict. Afterall, the Supreme Court is supreme. (referring to the Indra Sawhney verdict) The Supreme Court will look into the Banthia Commission report only later now. The Banthia Commission report was submitted in a hurry. Within one month, is it possible that sitting at home, sitting in air-conditioned places, can you have the caste census all over Maharashtra? For example, I will tell you. Gaikwad is a surname. When the Commission was going through the electoral rolls, the officers marked 'Gaikwad' as Maratha. But Gaikwad is an SC too, an OBC too, even a Mali community member. I don't agree with the Banthia Commission report, but because, at that time, there was the Supreme Court which was sitting on our State Government's head, we had to submit that report. I had raised the problems about the Commission report with Uddhav Thackeray then, as he was the Chief Minister. He had said that the elections to 92 local bodies had to be conducted with zero OBC reservation. If we took this up, then it will create problems for other local body elections too. Will you take back the report in that case? It doesn't matter. Till then, my election will be done [referring to the local body elections[ and we will fight it out thoroughly. The nine-judge judgment of the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case is already there. Now, when the case continues, it will take years together. And, by that time, as the Prime Minister has declared, there will be a caste census. With the caste census, it will be crystal clear. How will the caste census affect the OBC politics in Maharashtra? OBCs have played a prominent role in politics not just in Maharashtra, but also in U.P., in Bihar, in Tamil Nadu, in Karnataka, in Telangana. After 1931, there has been no caste census. This has been a long-pending demand. We have been cheated once by the Congress in 2010, when Pranab Mukherjee had assented to caste census after all the OBC leaders had come together in the House. In Maharashtra, the Marathas too want a slice of the OBC quota. I, Chhagan Bhujbal, will fight this tooth-and-nail. Our house is already full. OBC is not a caste. It is a class. There are many small groups in it. There is no space in our house. So we are telling the Marathas, don't come here. You have another house, please go there. If they still continue to ask for reservation under the OBC category, we are ready. We will fight it. Even they won't get anything in that case. 60% MLAs are Marathas, 60% Ministers are Marathas. The Chief Ministers have been Marathas. The banks are with them, the milk co-operatives, the sugar co-operatives are with them. The district bodies are with them. And they still want reservation from the OBC quota. So far, the demand for Maratha reservation has come up thrice. And all the three times, I supported them. But I will fight it if they want reservation from the OBC quota. Also, Manoj Jarange Patil has been responsible for creating a rift between the OBCs and the Marathas. He has disturbed the social fabric. It is being said that Chhagan Bhujbal has been brought in the cabinet due to the intervention of CM Devendra Fadnavis, for OBC votebank in the upcoming local body elections. I have been in politics for several decades now. And every time I was given an opportunity from being a Mayor to becoming the Deputy Chief Minister, it was not because I was an OBC. How can you say that now? Yes, my induction will help the Mahayuti in the coming elections. Devendra Fadnavis had insisted in December as well, that I should be in Cabinet. But Ajit dada listened only now. At that time, he did not listen. The fact is also that I am the Minister of Ajit Pawar. It is up to him to decide who he should include in the cabinet. Do we say that there is an uneasy truce between Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal now? I am one of the founder members of NCP, along with Sharad Pawar. All of a sudden, I was thrown out. I was upset. I stuck with the party even when the Congress had offered me the Chief Minister's position at one point. Otherwise I would have been there in Vilasrao Deshmukh's place. And yet, the kind of treatment which was given to me this time was not appropriate. I was shocked. Do you foresee yourself going to the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha? Of course, I want to go. I have been in State politics for 40 years now. I had requested my party to send me to the Parliament. Now, once everything settles here, I will definitely ask them to let me go. Do you see the Pawar uncle-nephew duo coming together again? I have worked with Balasaheb Thackeray for 25 years. I have worked with Sharad Pawar for decades. I have seen the affection Balasaheb had for Raj Thackeray. I have seen Ajit grow under the tutelage of Sharad Pawar. It is hurtful when families split. I will be very happy if the Thackerays [Uddhav and Raj] reunite and the Pawars come together. Who wants to see a rift in the family? But it is our wishful thinking. I don't think it will happen.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Passport Damaged In Probe Agency ED Fire, Maharashtra Minister Allowed To Extend Foreign Trip
Mumbai: A special court has allowed Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal and his son Pankaj to extend their international travel, considering that their passports got damaged due to a fire at the Enforcement Directorate's Mumbai office in April. The father and son, in their pleas seeking extension of travel dates, claimed that the damage necessitated an urgent application for new 'tatkal' passports. The two, currently on bail in a money laundering case, are required to seek the trial (PMLA) court's permission for foreign travel as per the directives of the Bombay High Court. On April 29, the special court had allowed their pleas to travel abroad, which also included the return of passports held by the ED. As per the pleas, the two received their passports on May 13, 2025, only to discover they were 'wet' and 'torn' due to a fire at the ED's Mumbai office on April 27. A huge fire broke out at the ED's Kaiser-I-Hind building in south Mumbai in the early hours of April 27. It was doused after about a 12-hour operation. The fire and the resulting damage necessitated urgent applications for new 'tatkal' passports. The delay in obtaining the new passport meant they could only secure their visas on May 22, valid from May 28, 2025, the court was informed. Consequently, the Bhujbals were unable to commence their journey as originally planned – from May 24, 2025, to June 8, 2025, the pleas said. Their travel commenced on May 28, the court was told. Citing these unforeseen difficulties, the Bhujbals sought an extension for their travel until June 12, 2025. The prosecution opposed the application, contending it was likely that Bhujbal would abscond and delay the trial. In his order of June 2, SR Navander, the special judge for cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), noted that the accused had already been permitted to travel abroad. Acknowledging that their passports were damaged in ED's custody, the court allowed the pleas for extension of travel dates. NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a minister in the Maharashtra government on May 20.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Chhagan Bhujbal takes charge, gets Food and Civil Supplies portfolio
Three days after being inducted into the Maharashtra cabinet, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday formally took charge of the Food and Civil Supplies Ministry—a portfolio which he has handled previously. While speaking to the media, the 77-year-old OBC leader acknowledged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen on his induction into the cabinet as early as December 2024, following the BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also played a key role in facilitating his return to the cabinet. 'It is true that Fadnavis saheb was keen on my induction and now, he has played a major role in my return. PM Modi and Shah also took efforts for my induction,' Bhujbal said. On the issue of welfare schemes, Bhujbal emphasized that the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme — which provides subsidized meals to nearly two lakh people daily — would not be discontinued. 'I have heard discussions about shutting down the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme. I met with the Chief Minister and explained that it provides one meal a day to nearly two lakh people. It helps both the needy and promotes the government's image. The estimated expenditure on the scheme is around Rs 140 to 150 crore. I cited examples from South India where similar initiatives have continued for years. Discontinuing it would not be right,' he said. Bhujbal also clarified that no schemes have been scrapped by the Mahayuti in its second term and said the government is simply adjusting to financial constraints — just as families do during tough times. 'There's no blanket ban on schemes. When a household faces major expenses such as weddings, school fees, or illnesses, adjustments are made. The government has to do the same. Public money funds the state, and we don't suddenly get Rs 40,000 to 50,000 crore more. The 'Ladki Bahin' scheme involved a large outlay, causing strain, but we're working on it. As revenues grow, these issues will be resolved,' he explained. Bhujbal said apart from maintaining the Shiv Bhojan scheme, other schemes will also continue uninterrupted. He mentioned that proposals have been submitted to the central government for support, and steps are being taken to improve scheme targeting. 'Ineligible people often end up availing benefits. We have set up a committee to address misuse and to explore how we can expand benefits for eligible beneficiaries,' he said. Bhujbal's induction on May 20 marked his return to the cabinet after being overlooked during initial ministerial appointments, following the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. He replaced NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, who had resigned in March after being linked to a controversy involving his close associate Walmik Karad, who has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Beed .
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhagan Bhujbal returns to cabinet as Mahayuti courts OBC votes
Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday, marking a dramatic return to the cabinet after being sidelined for months by his party leadership. His induction comes in place of Dhananjay Munde, who resigned following allegations of involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. Bhujbal's re-entry is being seen as a calculated move by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to consolidate OBC support ahead of crucial local body elections . A veteran OBC leader with mass appeal, Bhujbal was denied a cabinet berth in December 2024, with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP reportedly pushing for younger faces and suggesting he move to the Rajya Sabha. The decision sparked a public outburst from Bhujbal, who accused the party of being run as a "one-man show" and warned that senior leaders like him were being ignored. Despite past friction, the BJP is said to have remained keen on leveraging Bhujbal's influence. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Bhujbal revealed that the BJP had backed his possible candidature from Nashik, viewing it as a means to rally OBC voters. However, the plan fell through as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena refused to vacate the seat. Bhujbal's induction has drawn criticism from anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania, who pointed out that the BJP had once levelled multiple graft allegations against him. Live Events Defending the decision, Chief Minister Fadnavis said Bhujbal represents the voice of the OBC community and would strengthen the government's outreach. Bhujbal, for his part, struck a reconciliatory tone. "All is well that ends well," he remarked after taking oath. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Chandrashekhar Bawankule welcomes NCP's Chhagan Bhujbal in Maharashtra cabinet, calls it a boost for govt
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], May 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Minister and State BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday welcomed the inclusion of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal in the state cabinet. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule said, 'Chhagan Bhujbal is known as an OBC leader and the inclusion of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal in the cabinet will strengthen the Maharashtra government.' He further expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar for including Bhujbal in the cabinet. Bawankule added, 'Chhagan Bhujbal will play a major role in fulfilling the resolve of 'Viksit Maharashtra'.' In the past, Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, has held key positions as a cabinet minister and also served as the Deputy Chief Minister in different Maharashtra governments. While speaking to reporters and being asked about Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on the all-party delegation visiting key partner countries to showcase India's continued fight against terrorism, Bawankule responded, 'Prithviraj Chouhan should refrain from commenting on this. Prime Minister Modi and our government have taken a strong stand against terrorism, and we want to show the world how we initiated this fight. That is why Modi ji has decided to form an all-party delegation- to unite all parties against terrorism. Our goal is to encourage the entire world to join us in standing against terrorism, and that is what Modi ji envisions.' Earlier, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan had said, 'This is not a parliamentary delegation, it is a government delegation because non-MPs are also members. It is the government's right to decide what kind of delegation should be sent. It would have been right if the names had been decided, and those people could then ask their respective parties whether they should go. As per convention, the party should be written to and asked for names. This is an insult to parliamentary tradition and the Congress party. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister should have handled this delicately. They (Central govt) have made a mistake.' The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. The list includes MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups of 8 to 9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group, who will lead the delegation at a global level. The Members of Parliament include Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde. Seven all-party delegations, each led by a prominent leader from various political parties, will visit different countries to highlight India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Delegation 1, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. Delegation 2, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, will visit the UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, and Denmark. Delegation 3, led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Delegation 4, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, will visit the UAE, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. Delegation 5, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will visit the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Delegation 6, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, will visit Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia. Delegation 7, led by NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule, will visit Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. (ANI)
