There is more to the visit than it meets the eye says political analysts.
Women and Children Welfare Minister Pankaja Munde’s visit to JJ hospital for meeting former Deputy Chief Minister and Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has raised speculations in political circles about whether there would be a consolidation of Other Backward Caste outfits to counter the protests held by Maratha community. Even though Munde had met Bhujbal to inquire about his health political analysts are terming it as political visit. She had visited Bhujbal prior to leaving for her scheduled tour on Mokhada in Palghar where large number of tribal children had died due to malnutrition. Their meeting lasted for 10 to 15 minutes.
Both Pankaja and Bhujbal belong to Vanjari and Mali communities which are included under the Other Backward castes (OBC) category. Pankaja’s father late Gopinath Munde had championed the cause of OBCs in the state. He also was known as a trouble shooter who could broker peace between various outfits and bring them on a single platform. Both Munde and Bhujbal had come together on a common platform to fight for the rights of OBC’s despite political differences.
According to political analysts, “The protests held by Marathas across the state has worried OBCs as they are feeling sidelined. The meeting between Pankaja and Bhujbal may pave way for the coming together of OBCs in the state. There is more to this visit as it can be termed as a political meeting between two leaders.”
“Maratha activists have been demanding reservation for people belonging to their community. If Marathas are granted reservation in the OBC category then it will shrink job opportunities of the latter. Therefore OBC leaders are keen to indulge in a show of strength to bargain for their rights,” they added.
Right now even Pankaja Munde is being sidelined by senior BJP leaders in the state. The Chikki scam and tribal children death incident had further dented her image. Through this meet she wants to project herself as the powerful OBC leader in the saffron party. After Khadse’s resignation OBC leaders are worried.
“Munde must have realised about the injustice done to Bhujbal. She should now convince the CM and help in getting the OBC leader bail,” said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.
Bhujbal has been lodged in Arthur Road jail in the city since March this year after the ED arrested him in Maharashtra Sadan scam and other cases. He was admitted to J J Hospital from Arthur road jail, as he complained of high fever, diabetes and blood Pressure. A team of J J Hospital examined Bhujbal in the jail, and advised to admit in the hospital.
