Mumbai: Disgruntled NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday attended the party’s two day conclave at Shirdi on the request of senior party leaders, while Maharashtra food and civil supply minister Dhananjay Munde was conspicuous by his absence in the conclave. Mr. Munde has been mired in controversy after the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in connection with the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, Sarpanch of Massajog village, last month.
Before the conclave began, senior leader Dilip Walse Patil visited Sai Baba temple. He said that the NCP was ready to “go solo” in upcoming local bodies election if things do not materialise with the alliance partners.
The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has organised the two days conclave from Saturday to celebrate the party’s performance in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly election and chalk out strategies for upcoming local bodies elections.
Mr. Bhujbal arrived wearing a coat and goggles, appearing like a young flamboyant leader. He is one of the prominent OBC leaders of Maharashtra and founder of Samata Parishad. He told the reporters that Sai Baba has given a mantra of Shraddha and Saburi (faith and patience).
The former deputy chief minister has been disappointed due to his exclusion from the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet . He had openly expressed his unhappiness on several occasions.
NCP national working president Praful Patel said that Mr. Bhujbal is the party's senior leader. “I met Mr. Bhujbal in Mumbai yesterday. There are some issues, but it does not mean that the resentment is at an extreme level and we cannot resolve the issues,” Mr. Patel said.
In a response to question of going solo in local bodies election, Mr. Walse-Patil said that there is still time for the elections as the matter pertaining to OBC reservation is pending before the Supreme Court. After Apex Court’s judgement, restructuring of wards and reservation of wards will be done. “After that, all the political parties will decide their strategies. If an alliance is formed, it is good. But if not, the NCP is ready to contest the election (upcoming local bodies) alone,” the senior NCP leader said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare asked the party office bearers to remain humble and grounded.
