Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad Alleges Conspiracy to Sideline OBC Leadership in Maharashtra

The Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, a political organization, has criticized the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra for allegedly pressuring Chhagan Bhujbal, the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, to withdraw from the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The organization claims that this was a plot to marginalize OBC (Other Backward Classes) leadership in the state.

According to the Parishad's leaders, Manjiri Dhadage and Pritesh Gawali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had initially approved Bhujbal's candidacy for the Nashik Lok Sabha seat. However, they assert that the state government is dismissing the leadership of OBCs and exploiting the Maratha community's position against Bhujbal.

Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member withdrew his candidature from the Nashik seat amid a tussle between the NCP and the Shiv Sena to contest from this constituency. The seat is currently held by Hemant Godse of the ruling Shiv Sena, but the NCP had been eager to field Bhujbal, hoping to secure votes from the significant OBC population in Nashik, in addition to the support of traditional BJP followers.

Why this matters: The allegations by the Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad highlight the complex dynamics of caste politics and alliance negotiations in Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The incident also raises questions about the representation and political empowerment of OBC communities in the state.

The Parishad and other OBC organizations plan to hold meetings and discussions on this matter in the coming days. Dhadage and Gawali stated that the ultimate decision will be made based on Bhujbal's leadership and guidance. Bhujbal, while withdrawing his candidacy, said he will support a candidate of the Mahayuti alliance and asked the alliance to nominate a candidate soon.

Key Takeaways

• Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad criticized Mahayuti govt for pressuring Bhujbal to withdraw
• Bhujbal, an OBC leader, was initially approved for Nashik LS seat, but later withdrew
• Parishad alleges a plot to marginalize OBC leadership, exploit Maratha community against Bhujbal
• Bhujbal to support Mahayuti candidate, alliance asked to nominate candidate soon
• The incident highlights complex caste politics and alliance negotiations in Maharashtra