Nashik Guardian Minister Race Heats Up After Chhagan Bhujbal’s Return To Cupboard – News18
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Bhujbal has stated he is able to tackle any accountability assigned by the Chief Minister. Nevertheless, sources counsel that he’s nonetheless eager on the Nashik portfolio.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being greeted by NCP chief Chhagan Bhujbal after the latter took oath as a minister within the state cupboard. (Picture: Maharashtra CMO)
Veteran NCP chief and former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as Cupboard Minister on Tuesday, marking a major political growth in Nashik district. With Bhujbal’s induction, Nashik now has 4 ministers within the Maharashtra cupboard — Dada Bhuse (Shiv Sena – Shinde faction), Manikrao Kokate , Narhari Zirwal, and now Bhujbal himself (NCP – Ajit Pawar faction). Bhujbal’s return to the cupboard has reignited the political tug-of-war over Nashik’s coveted Guardian Minister submit. Till now, there had been a silent contest amongst BJP’s Girish Mahajan, Shiv Sena’s Dada Bhuse, and NCP’s Manikrao Kokate for the place.
Bhujbal’s entry has modified the dynamics, particularly given his seniority, expertise, and robust base in Nashik. The appointment of Girish Mahajan as Nashik’s Guardian Minister had reportedly been placed on maintain after Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed displeasure, insisting on their declare to the submit.
Responding to the hypothesis, Manikrao Kokate performed down the race, saying, “There’s no competitors so far as I’m involved. The get together is extra essential than any particular person submit. Bhujbal’s inclusion will profit Nashik and the state as an entire.” He additionally welcomed Bhujbal’s return, noting that it brings higher social inclusivity to the cupboard, particularly with Bhujbal being a distinguished OBC face. On perceived friction between the 2, Kokate dismissed any such notion. “There aren’t any variations between us. Individuals could speak, however we’re united in working for the get together,” he stated.
Sources counsel that Bhujbal, who was earlier denied a cupboard berth, has now been inducted to consolidate OBC assist in areas like Marathwada, Nashik, and Ahilya Nagar forward of upcoming native physique elections, which the Supreme Court docket has directed to be held inside 4 months. After Dhananjay Munde’s resignation attributable to well being causes, the NCP lacked a significant and aggressive OBC face. After consultations with the core management, Ajit Pawar took the strategic choice to deliver Bhujbal again. Sources additionally point out that Bhujbal is perhaps assigned as Guardian Minister of Beed, to keep away from escalating the continued tussle over Nashik’s portfolio between the BJP and Shiv Sena.
On sharp criticism from Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil – who accused Ajit Pawar of selling caste-based politics by Bhujbal’s inclusion – Kokate responded cautiously. “That’s Jarange’s private opinion. I don’t know what his equation is with Bhujbal, however Ajit Dada is a powerful and truthful chief,” he stated. Reflecting on his personal political path, Kokate added, “Had I joined Ajit Dada earlier, it might’ve helped me. However as they are saying, higher late than by no means.”
With Bhujbal again within the cupboard and political power renewed in Nashik, all eyes at the moment are on the Guardian Minister appointment. Bhujbal has stated he is able to tackle any accountability assigned by the Chief Minister. Nevertheless, sources counsel that he’s nonetheless eager on the Nashik portfolio. If that occurs, it might considerably reshape native energy equations forward of the essential civic polls.
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