Political Tensions: Bhujbal Criticizes Pawar Over Maratha Quota Boycott

Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal criticized NCP chief Sharad Pawar for his party's boycott of an all-party meeting on the Maratha quota issue. Bhujbal accused Pawar of neglecting social responsibilities and contributing to caste tensions for political gain. The boycott caused significant uproar in state politics.

Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday launched a veiled attack on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, criticizing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for boycotting an all-party meeting on the Maratha quota issue on July 9 after a ''phone call from Baramati at 5 PM''.

Bhujbal highlighted the importance of senior politicians, like Sharad Pawar, attending such meetings to provide valuable input on social issues. He noted that deliberately boycotting the meeting and then offering advice was not appropriate.

The opposition leaders claimed they were not taken into confidence regarding the Maratha quota and subsequently did not attend the meeting convened by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on July 9. Bhujbal lamented the exclusion of Maratha, Dhangar, and OBC communities from the discussion, emphasizing their need for protection and representation.