Bhujbal trying hard for guardianship

Mumbai: Veteran NCP leader and former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal after being inducted as Cabinet Minister under CM Devendra Fadnavis lasy week, has started pushing hard for the post of the guardian minister of the Nashik district. While the Shiv Sena had earlier staked claim for the post, the BJP is unlikely to let it go and keep the post with itself now.

With Bhujbal’s induction, Nashik now has four ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet — Dada Bhuse of the Shiv Sena under DCM Eknath Shinde and Manikrao Kokate, Narhari Zirwal and Bhujbal from the NCP under DCM Ajit Pawar. While Shiv Sena’s Bhuse, and NCP’s Kokate had been eyeing the position of guardian minister till now, BJP’s Girish Mahajan was considered to be the de-facto guardian minister of the district. Mahajan is considered close to Fadnavis and during the previous tenure of Fadnavis he was guardian minister of the district. Also, after the initial spat over the post of guardian minister, Fadnavis has kept the district with himself. Hence, it was being considered that Mahajan would be the guardian minister.

However, Bhujbal’s return to the cabinet has changed the dynamics. Especially given his seniority, experience, strong base in Nashik and tendency to achieve political goals, he may be the natural contender for the position is it is to go to the NCP. Bhujbal himself too appears to be keen on getting the post. That is the reason why many posters and hoardings are seen put up in Nashik by many of his supporters stating that his appointment as the guardian minister of the district is now merely a formality.

Meanwhile, appointment of Mahajan as the guardian minister of the district had reportedly been put on hold after Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed displeasure, insisting on their claim to the post. However, senior BJP ministers, on condition of anonymity, have said that the BJP is likely to keep the post to itself, meaning Mahajan would eventually be the guardian minister of the district.

Kokate, who was once considered to be a serious contender of the post, lost the lead after he was sentenced by a local court in an over two-decade old case. He, however, is dead against Bhujbal getting the post. Though he is making statements apparently in support of Bhujbal, his close associates say that his stark differences with Bhujbal would make him accept minister from any other party as the guardian minister of the district.

Bhujbal’s supporters say that he has been inducted into the cabinet in order to consolidate OBC support in regions like Marathwada, Nashik, and Ahilya Nagar ahead of upcoming local body elections. After Dhananjay Munde’s resignation, the NCP lacked a major and aggressive OBC face. After consultations with the core leadership, Ajit Pawar took the strategic decision to bring Bhujbal back. However, sources also indicate that Bhujbal might be assigned as Guardian Minister of Beed, to avoid escalating the ongoing tussle over Nashik’s portfolio between the BJP and Shiv Sena.

Bhujbal’s opponents also point at the sharp criticism from Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who accused Ajit Pawar of promoting caste-based politics through Bhujbal’s inclusion. It is being interpreted as the wrath of Maratha community against Bhujbal. Demographically Nashik is among the few districts dominated by Maratha community and hence, the government is unlikely to take the risk of elevating Bhujbal as the guardian minister of this district.

Also, considering the local politics going into the NCP’s hands, the BJP is unlikely accept Bhujbal as the guardian minister.