The Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expanded its cabinet in Nagpur, appointing 39 ministers, including new faces, while excluding senior leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, sparking political debate. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of sidelining OBC leaders, alleging they were used for votes and then discarded.
Fadnavis defended his government's OBC-related initiatives, citing schemes like Mahajyoti and educational opportunities, while criticising Congress for historic neglect of the OBC community. He also emphasised the significant representation of OBC ministers in BJP-led cabinets.
Also Read: Is Shiv Sena (UBT) eyeing BMC elections without congress?
Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the Maharashtra government for excluding Chhagan Bhujbal from the cabinet, claiming it sidelined OBC leadership. He alleged that the government exploited OBC support for votes and discarded them after gaining power.
Wadettiwar emphasised the difference between being an OBC and actively leading the community, accusing the government of undermining OBC representation and attempting to render them leaderless. He warned that such actions could jeopardize OBC rights in the future.