OBC-Maratha Row: Sharad Pawar to Intervene at Chhagan Bhujbal’s Request to Defuse Tensions

Mumbai, July 15 2024 :  Concerned about the escalating caste tensions in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Chhagan Bhujbal held an unscheduled meeting with NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar on Monday, sparking significant political speculation.

After a detailed discussion lasting nearly an hour and a half, Bhujbal informed the media that Pawar had agreed to speak with Mahayuti Chief Minister Eknath Shinde within the next few days to seek a resolution. Pawar also promised to engage with other prominent leaders to find an amicable solution.

“I had not taken an appointment and reached (Silver Oaks) at 10:10 AM, while Sharad Pawar Sahib was still sleeping as he was unwell. I waited, and an hour later, he called me… I requested him to intervene in the entire issue to help work out an amicable solution,” Bhujbal said.

Bhujbal emphasized that he approached Pawar not as an MLA, Minister, or party representative, but out of genuine concern for the volatile situation arising from the OBC-Maratha caste conflict. “The common man should not suffer. I emphasized to Sharad Pawar Sahib that as a senior leader in the state, it was his responsibility to intervene and cool the tempers. In such an atmosphere, I don’t want the homes of poor people to get torched. Tensions must be defused,” he said.

Bhujbal elaborated on how the caste divide in the state has led to people supporting different communities—Marathas, OBCs, Dhangars—avoiding each other, even for family functions, causing occasional skirmishes.

Pawar, after listening patiently, acknowledged that he was unaware of the details of what transpired between CM Shinde and Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil, or between Bhujbal and the OBC leaders. However, he assured Bhujbal that he would contact the CM in the coming days to address the contentious caste issues, which pose a significant threat ahead of the October Assembly elections.

Bhujbal also informed senior NCP leader Praful Patel about the meeting and secured his approval, reiterating that he had no political agenda behind his sudden encounter with Sharad Pawar. He highlighted the need for responsible leadership to prevent the situation from escalating further.