MUMBAI: In a surprise move, NCP president and deputy CM Ajit Pawar dropped veteran NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbala prominent OBC face in the previous govt, from the cabinet. “I have no comments to offer on the NCP leadership’s decision. It is the prerogative of the NCP president; I will abide by it,” Bhujbal told TOI.
The cabinet expansion took place soon after Ajit Pawar hinted at introducing a two-and-a-half-year ministerial term for certain portfolios, instead of a full five-year stint. The strategy aimed at ensuring broader representation from various districts and regions, was formulated with the approval of CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde, he said.
Along with Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar has dropped senior NCP leader Dilip Walse Patil, Dharamrao Baba Atram, Anil Patil and Sanjay Bansode. Walse Patil handling the cooperation portfolio, Patil relief and rehabilitation, Atram food and drug administration and Bansode sports in the previous govt led by Shinde.
Senior NCP leaders expressed surprise over the unceremonious removal of Bhujbal, who had taken up the cause of OBCs during the storm caused by the Maratha quota stir. “It was wrong to drop Bhujbal from the cabinet when he had stood against Maratha leader Manoj Jarange,” said a senior NCP neta.
Apparently, Ajit Pawar felt that it was high time that senior NCP leaders, particularly those aged above 70, should be retired and replaced by new faces. “We agree with Ajit Pawar, but this was not the proper time for it. He should have waited for a brief period, at least till Jarange’s importance subsides,” said the NCP neta.
As per reports, there was strong opposition to Bhujbal’s induction from newly elected legislators, including all from Nashik district, led by Manikrao Kokate from Sinnar.
Another senior NCP functionary said Walse Patil, a veteran party leader, had told Ajit Pawar that he was not keen on joining the cabinet owing to health concerns. Walse Patil, who was present at the swearing-in ceremony, may take up a gubernatorial assignment at a later stage, as per the understanding between NCP and BJP.
