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The political landscape of Maharashtra is witnessing a potential seismic shift with veteran leader Chhagan Bhujbal hinting at a rebellion against the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This echoes a similar move he made three decades ago, when he led a group of MLAs out of the Shiv Sena. His current discontent stems from being excluded from the newly expanded Mahayuti cabinet, a move he attributes to NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's alleged arbitrary decision-making. Bhujbal's long and complex political journey, marked by defections, alliances, and controversies, is crucial to understanding this latest development. His remark, “Jahan nahi chaina, wahan nahi rehna (There is no reason to stay where there is no satisfaction),” clearly signifies his frustration and potential for drastic action.
Bhujbal's career began in the humble lanes of Nashik, far from the corridors of power. His rise within the Shiv Sena was meteoric, propelled by his aggressive style and close relationship with Bal Thackeray. He served as a corporator and twice as Mayor of Bombay. His successful Assembly campaigns solidified his position as a prominent figure. However, his ambition and alleged resentment at being overlooked for the Leader of Opposition post led to his 1991 defection. This move, coinciding with the Mandal agitation, allowed him to position himself as a champion of OBC rights, a narrative that played a crucial role in his future political maneuvers. This strategically timed move allowed him to garner significant support within the OBC community, significantly boosting his political capital.
His subsequent alignment with Sharad Pawar marked a pivotal moment. Bhujbal joined the newly formed NCP and enjoyed significant influence in various Maharashtra governments, holding key ministerial positions. This partnership thrived on mutual benefit: Pawar needed to broaden his appeal beyond the Maratha community, while Bhujbal leveraged Pawar's stature to further his own ambitions. The formation of the Samta Parishad, an organization focused on OBC, SC, and ST welfare, strengthened his image as a leader fighting for backward classes. However, his career wasn’t without blemish. Implication in the Telgi scam resulted in a brief period of resignation, yet he rebounded strongly, demonstrating resilience and political shrewdness.
The relationship between Bhujbal and Ajit Pawar has always been complex. Ajit's alleged role in ending Bhujbal's tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, and Pawar's nurturing of other OBC leaders like Dhananjay Munde, created a sense of competition and unease. Bhujbal's age, legal issues, and perceived waning influence within the NCP further complicated matters. His actions, such as fielding his nephew as an independent candidate against a Shinde Sena nominee, despite distancing himself publicly, raise questions about his loyalty and effectiveness. The recent cabinet reshuffle acted as a catalyst, pushing Bhujbal toward a potential confrontation.
Bhujbal’s recent opposition to the Maratha community’s demand for Kunbi (OBC) status for quotas needs deeper analysis. While presented as a move to protect existing OBC reservations, it's also seen by many as a calculated move to reassert his dominance within the OBC community and demonstrate his continued relevance in state politics. This strategy, however, may have backfired in the recent elections, reducing his margin of victory significantly, while other NCP candidates fared better. The BJP's success in consolidating Hindu votes further diminished Bhujbal's bargaining power.
While Bhujbal maintains he will determine his next move shortly, his future remains uncertain. His age and the shifting political landscape present significant hurdles. His ability to mobilize public support, once a hallmark of his career, is now questioned. He had hoped for a graceful exit into the Rajya Sabha, a plan seemingly thwarted by Ajit Pawar's actions. The question remains whether Bhujbal's discontent will translate into a significant challenge to the NCP, or if this marks the twilight of a once formidable political career. His recent statements suggest a resolute desire to fight, but the effectiveness of this fight remains to be seen. The coming months will be crucial in determining the impact of Bhujbal's actions on the political dynamics of Maharashtra.
Source: Left in the cold by Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal plots fightback: Can he hurt NCP?