The row over denial of ministerial berth to Chhagan Bhujbal is escalating, with the Nationalist Congress leader leaning away from Ajit Pawar and towards the BJP.

Chhagan Bhujbal expresses frustration over his exclusion from the Maharashtra Cabinet, delayed political decisions, and disrespect from NCP leadership, hinting at growing discontent within the party.

Chhagan Bhujbal, a leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, expressed his discontent at being excluded from the recent Maharashtra cabinet expansion. He revealed that he declined a Rajya Sabha seat offered after his Lok Sabha aspirations were disregarded.

Chhagan Bhujbal criticized NCP president Ajit Pawar for his exclusion from the new cabinet, claiming support from CM Fadnavis. He felt humiliated by the treatment and expressed frustration over not being finalized for a Lok Sabha seat despite being asked to contest.

An NCP stalwart, Bhujbal is a former Deputy CM and has held key portfolios in both the previous Mahayuti and MVA governments.

Nashik: Former NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday said the party's top brass sent a few politicians to ‘placate' him after he was denied a ministe.

Bhujbal claimed he had been excluded from the Cabinet because he took on activist Manoj Jarange, who has been leading a movement demanding Maratha community reservations in jobs and education.

Chhagan Bhujbal pointed out that he was dropped as minister despite taking on Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and rallying the support of OBCs in Mahayuti's favour.