A firebrand OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who had to step down mid-way from the coveted post of the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra to pave way for the elevation of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar, is displeased over the manner in which the entire development took place. However, he asserts that such ups and downs in politics would not dampen his resolve to work for the uplift of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other downtrodden people. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Jog, Bhujbal, who took over as the minister in the Prithviraj Chavan-led ministry, spoke about his plans.
Did you expect your removal from the post of deputy chief minister of Maharashtra?
It is quite unfortunate as I had to step down from the post for no fault of mine after just a year. I was not involved in the Adarsh scam or any such scandal. I had not made any recommendation for my associates or relatives for the allotment of flats in the controversial Adarsh housing society. Still the party asked to resign. I accepted the party’s suggestion. I only proposed name of Ajit Pawar as my successor and it was seconded by many in the party.
I want to recall that I had to resign during the Telgi stamp paper scandal despite lack of any involvement. I still stood by my party and later proved innocent after various inquiries.
Was Ajit Pawar behind your removal? Were party legislators told to campaign for him?
I do not want to name anybody. Neither I have any idea of any campaign being run against me or in Ajit’s favour. No legislator told me that they were against me and they want me to resign. Party legislators were under impression that a one-line resoltion will be passed authorising the party president to appoint a leader of the NCP legislature party in the changed circumstances. At the meeting after NCP observer and civil aviation minister Praful Patel’s introductory speech, I spoke for about 20 minutes and explained the present status of the party and its future and how it was capable to facing various challenges. I proposed the name of Ajit Pawar as the new leader and it was recommended by other leaders including R R Patil, Jayant Patil.
But there was news that legislators had run signature campaign for the appointment of Ajit Pawar. Were you aware of it?
I am not aware of any such signature campaign. I only took a stand that NCP is a small party and there is a limited scope to accomodate for party and ministerial posts. I was the NCP legislature party leader and deputy chief minister during 1999-2003. In December 2008, the party once again chose me for the post of deputy chief minister and subsequently after the 2009 assembly elections. So, this time, I thought a time has come to give a chance to someone who can play a major role in NCP’s growth. I was convinced that Ajit being young and dynamic can be the best bet and thus proposed his name. I wish him success in his new role.
Has NCP president Sharad Pawar or any other leader discussed the leadership issue?
The issue came up for discussion during my meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and other state leaders. The meeting took place just before the NCP legislature meeting held on November 10.
But just a fortnight ago, the NCP chief had categorically said there would not be any change in the NCP leadership. Then how did the change take place?
I do not want to comment on this issue. I have made my position quite clear. Ultimately, Pawar saab is my leader.
Has your unceremonious exit sent a wrong signal among the OBCs and other downtrodden sections?
I can only say a large number of people from OBC and downtrodden sections are hurt due to my resignation. However, I am committed for the welfare of these people and continue to work for them.
