November 20, 2024: In a dramatic turn of events during today's Maharashtra Assembly elections, workers from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) blocked party leader Chhagan Bhujbal from entering a polling booth in Yevla, a key constituency in Nashik. Bhujbal, who is contesting the election from Yevla, was confronted by angry party workers who objected to his recent defection to the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and a faction of the NCP.
The incident occurred as Bhujbal attempted to enter the booth to cast his vote, triggering a confrontation with NCP workers. The workers were heard chanting slogans and accusing Bhujbal of betraying the party. They were particularly vocal about the fact that he was allegedly trying to cast his vote multiple times, an accusation that added fuel to the already heated atmosphere.
Bhujbal, a former deputy chief minister and a prominent leader in Maharashtra politics, made headlines earlier when he switched allegiance to the Mahayuti alliance, a move that has sparked intense reactions within his former party. The NCP workers are particularly upset over Bhujbal's defection, accusing him of undermining the party's unity and values. Bhujbal had previously denied suggestions, including claims from journalist Rajdeep Sardesai's book, that his move was motivated by a desire to avoid investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over allegations of money laundering.
In response to his critics, Bhujbal defended his decision to join the Mahayuti, emphasizing his long-standing development work in Yevla, particularly in areas of water management and infrastructure. “I have worked in Yevla for 20 years and helped the place develop in water management and infrastructure. My caste and religion are only focused on development. Even my party believes the same. The Opposition has failed to criticise me on my work, so they talk about caste,” he said.
Bhujbal also dismissed accusations of caste consolidation, asserting that the people of Yevla have faith in his development efforts and are not swayed by caste-based politics. “Caste consolidation doesn’t work because people here have faith in the development I’ve brought. They don’t see my caste,” Bhujbal added.
The move by Bhujbal to join the Mahayuti came in the wake of a larger split within the NCP. In July 2023, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and a group of his loyalists broke away from Sharad Pawar's faction, aligning themselves with the BJP and the Shiv Sena to form the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. This shift further deepened the rift within the NCP, with tensions escalating between the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase condemned Bhujbal's defection, calling it an act of political opportunism. "It is appalling to see senior leaders admitting to have joined the ruling party to evade investigation. Such admissions only reinforce the belief that the BJP operates as a 'washing machine' where corrupt leaders enter and emerge spotless," Tapase said, referring to Bhujbal’s denial of any personal motives related to the ED investigation.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NCP Workers Block Chhagan Bhujbal from Entering Voting Booth in Yevla Constituency
November 20, 2024: In a dramatic turn of events during today's Maharashtra Assembly elections, workers from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) blocked party leader Chhagan Bhujbal from entering a polling booth in Yevla, a key constituency in Nashik. Bhujbal, who is contesting the election from Yevla, was confronted by angry party workers who objected to his recent defection to the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and a faction of the NCP.
The incident occurred as Bhujbal attempted to enter the booth to cast his vote, triggering a confrontation with NCP workers. The workers were heard chanting slogans and accusing Bhujbal of betraying the party. They were particularly vocal about the fact that he was allegedly trying to cast his vote multiple times, an accusation that added fuel to the already heated atmosphere.
Bhujbal, a former deputy chief minister and a prominent leader in Maharashtra politics, made headlines earlier when he switched allegiance to the Mahayuti alliance, a move that has sparked intense reactions within his former party. The NCP workers are particularly upset over Bhujbal's defection, accusing him of undermining the party's unity and values. Bhujbal had previously denied suggestions, including claims from journalist Rajdeep Sardesai's book, that his move was motivated by a desire to avoid investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over allegations of money laundering.
In response to his critics, Bhujbal defended his decision to join the Mahayuti, emphasizing his long-standing development work in Yevla, particularly in areas of water management and infrastructure. “I have worked in Yevla for 20 years and helped the place develop in water management and infrastructure. My caste and religion are only focused on development. Even my party believes the same. The Opposition has failed to criticise me on my work, so they talk about caste,” he said.
Bhujbal also dismissed accusations of caste consolidation, asserting that the people of Yevla have faith in his development efforts and are not swayed by caste-based politics. “Caste consolidation doesn’t work because people here have faith in the development I’ve brought. They don’t see my caste,” Bhujbal added.
The move by Bhujbal to join the Mahayuti came in the wake of a larger split within the NCP. In July 2023, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and a group of his loyalists broke away from Sharad Pawar's faction, aligning themselves with the BJP and the Shiv Sena to form the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. This shift further deepened the rift within the NCP, with tensions escalating between the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase condemned Bhujbal's defection, calling it an act of political opportunism. "It is appalling to see senior leaders admitting to have joined the ruling party to evade investigation. Such admissions only reinforce the belief that the BJP operates as a 'washing machine' where corrupt leaders enter and emerge spotless," Tapase said, referring to Bhujbal’s denial of any personal motives related to the ED investigation.