WATCHING Ajit Pawar, who is being criticized by OBC leaders for not including Chhagan Bhujbal in the state cabinet, CM Devendra Fadnavis today said that the Dy CM had no intention of deliberately barring the senior NCP leader from the cabinet. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar warned Bhujbal for creating unnecessary tension.
“Ajit Pawar did not include Bhujbal in the cabinet, but he did not deliberately keep him out,” the CM told reporters in Pune today.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar who was also in Pune today warned Bhujbal against creating discord by removing him from the cabinet. “
“Some (read Bhujbal’s book) are upset about not being given a place in the government cabinet, but sometimes young people need to be given a chance. It is wrong to create unnecessary tension. We thought about how we can give a chance to the elderly in the Center instead of giving them another chance in the county government. Ajit Pawar will never disrespect others,” said Fadnavis.
Bhujbal got full support from OBC leaders against his removal from the cabinet. He meets them and says that he will soon decide on his next step.
At that time, Fadnavis said, “Bhujbal is a prominent Mahayuti leader. The leaders of all the three parties respect him. He played a major role in our victory. Ajit Pawar himself is always worried about him. We want Bhujbal to be with us on the battlefield.”
Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar wants Bhujbal to participate at the national level. ”He told me that the NCP is a national party, and he wants to ensure that it grows at the national level. Ajt Pawar also told me that Bhujbal is respected in other states as well, that’s why he wants to lead at the national level. However, Bhujbal has a different opinion, hence the problem has arisen. We will all sit and find a solution together,” he said.
Meanwhile, State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, NCP leader, said, “Chhagan Bhujbal as an OBC leader loves only his son and nephew. He does not see another OBC leader.”
Kokate said, “Bhujbal today met Fadnavis and he seems to have burst out and expressed his anger. I think Fadnavis will find a solution, as he believes in justice for all. There are 42 ministers in the Cabinet. 16 of them are Marathas and 17 OBCs. And that is why it seems that he has taken action to ensure equal justice for all. We have nothing to say about it.’
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