‘I Am Upset’: No Place In Maharashtra Cabinet, Bhujbal Joins Sulking Athawale, Rana

Last Updated:December 16, 2024, 20:14 IST

Maharashtra Cabinet: Chhagan Bhujbal’s exclusion is being viewed as a missed opportunity for the NCP faction to consolidate its OBC vote base

While nine ministers from Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were sworn into the Maharashtra cabinet on Sunday, the exclusion of veteran leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal has led to political tension within the faction.

Bhujbal, a prominent OBC face in Maharashtra politics, was widely expected to secure a ministerial position. However, his name was conspicuously missing from the list of new cabinet inductees, leaving him visibly displeased.

Bhujbal, in a sharp response to his exclusion, told reporters, “Yes, I am upset. You should ask those who sidelined me about the reasons.”

He then left for Nashik, skipping extended discussions in Mumbai, signalling his discontent with the party’s decision-making.

BHUJBAL SAID NO TO RAJYA SABHA; SKIPPED MEET

Sources within Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction revealed that the party had considered nominating Bhujbal to the Rajya Sabha as a consolation. Insiders claim that Bhujbal himself had earlier expressed an interest in moving to the Upper House, but the timing of this offer appears to have failed to pacify him. Bhujbal’s rejection of the proposal has further fuelled speculation about his next political step.

Bhujbal’s sudden departure for Nashik on the day of the cabinet expansion has added to the uncertainty surrounding his political future. He plans to engage in discussions with members of the Samata Parishad, a socio-political organisation he leads, to deliberate on the course of action. His meetings with his supporters are expected to clarify whether he will continue with Ajit Pawar’s faction or consider alternative political alignments.

The decision to exclude Bhujbal from the cabinet has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Several leaders have accused the NCP faction of sidelining Bhujbal because of his OBC identity, a sensitive issue in Maharashtra politics. Bhujbal’s exclusion is being viewed as a missed opportunity for the NCP faction to consolidate its OBC vote base.

RAMDAS ATHAWALE, RAVI RANA TOO UPSET

Bhujbal is not the only one who is upset and sulking. The Bharatiya Janata Party BJP-supported independent MLA Ravi Rana and RPI(A) chief and central minister Ramdas Athawale are also not amused over the first cabinet expansion.

Athawale told reporters in Delhi that his party was promised one cabinet berth by CM Devendra Fadnavis, but he didn’t keep the promise. MLA Ravi Rana, who is a close confidant of Fadnavis, left for his hometown, Amravati, as he was not included in the cabinet.

Rana’s wife, Navneet Rana, hinted on social media with the help of a video message that Ravi Rana is upset. Interestingly, she did not take anyone’s name while posting her video message nor blamed anyone. But these events certainly raised questions about the Mahayuti’s decision-making process.

Critics argue that the BJP and its allies risk alienating key leaders and their voter bases by sidelining them during critical moments.

The dissatisfaction of these leaders underscores the challenges of balancing competing ambitions within the coalition. For Bhujbal, his next steps remain uncertain as he consults his supporters in Nashik. Similarly, Rana’s decision to return to Amravati signals possible resentment, while Athawale’s discontent could strain the BJP’s ties with its Dalit ally.

As Maharashtra’s political landscape evolves, these developments could significantly impact the Mahayuti’s unity and electoral prospects. The coming days will determine whether these grievances are resolved or escalate into deeper divisions within the ruling alliance.