In a surprising turn of events, Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who previously opposed the reservation for Marathas under the OBC grouping, announced his resignation from the state cabinet. Bhujbal, who holds the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio, made the revelation during a rally on Saturday, stating that he had submitted his resignation on November 16, 2022.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has remained silent on the matter, leaving room for speculation and confusion.
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Wed 11 Dec. 2024
While Bhujbal claims to have resigned, Deputy CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that the resignation has not been accepted. According to Fadnavis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is the only person who can provide clarification on the matter. This conflicting information has further fueled the intrigue surrounding Bhujbal’s announcement.
The disclosure of Bhujbal’s resignation has sparked a flurry of reactions from political leaders. Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut dismissed Bhujbal’s claims as “hogwash” and suggested a hidden alliance between the NCP leader and the BJP. Raut pointed out that Bhujbal attended subsequent meetings of the council of ministers despite his alleged resignation, raising questions about the authenticity of his actions.
Bhujbal’s resignation has brought the focus back on the delicate balancing act the Eknath Shinde-led government is attempting with regards to the Maratha quota. The decision to grant reservation to Marathas under the OBC category has caused unease among OBCs, who are considered loyal voters of the BJP. Bhujbal has been a vocal critic of this move, accusing the state government of facilitating backdoor entry for Marathas into the OBC quota.
Raut’s allegations suggest that Bhujbal’s resignation may be part of a larger political strategy. He claims that Bhujbal and Fadnavis are working together behind the scenes, with Bhujbal making public statements against the handling of the Maratha quota agitation to undermine the government. Raut’s comments add another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the true motives behind Bhujbal’s actions.
Amidst the political drama, Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange dismissed Bhujbal’s allegations of fake records being used to obtain Maratha reservation. Jarange asserted that Bhujbal should resign if he truly believes in his convictions, but he should refrain from speaking against Maratha reservation.
Chhagan Bhujbal’s resignation has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, raising questions about the stability of the Mahayuti government and the future of the Maratha quota. As conflicting statements and accusations continue to emerge, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the state’s political dynamics.
