Supporters of former chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray yesterday to seek his support for release of their leader, who has been jailed under charges of money laundering since 2016.
Bhujbal’s supporters sought Thackeray’s backing for their “Anyay par Charcha” campaign aimed at getting the popular Nationalist Congress Party leader released from Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail. They claimed that Thackeray assured them of MNS’s support and suggested them to launch a “Bhujbal Chhodo” (Release Bhujbal) campaign.
“This case (for which Bhujbal has been jailed) relates to economic offences, and hence he should have been released on bail by now. If they (Enforcement Directorate) have sealed everything, what else do they need to enquire? Why do they need his custody?” Raj is understood to have questioned.
Bhujbal’s supporters have been meeting political leaders of several parties demanding their support. They have planned massive rallies in Mumbai during Maharashtra’s upcoming budget session and in Nashik, which the popular OBC leader represents in the state legislature.
The meeting between Raj Thackeray and Chhagan Bhujbal’s supporters have raised eyebrows as both of them have had a bitter-sweet relationship in the past. MNS is expected to join other opposition parties in raising voices against the incumbent BJP-Shiv Sena government for opposing Bhujbal’s detainment.