According to the senior NCP leader, they have never expected that the arrest of Bhujbal's family member would take place.
The arrest of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) senior leader Chaggan Bhujbal's nephew Sameer Bhujbal by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the money laundering cases send a shock wave among the NCP leaders.
According to the senior NCP leader, they have never expected that the arrest of Bhujbal's family member would take place. "We were really worried and concerned, not only for our leaders but the party as whole. Most of our senior leaders, including former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar were allegedly involved in the scam. And various centre and the state agencies were probing these alleged cases. This entire episode has put us on the back foot as an opposition party," said a leader.
"We are literally shaken. Chaggan Bhujbal is one of the very senior and firebrand party leader. Sameer was the Member of Parliament (MP) and was very close to Mr Bhujbal. The arrest of Sameer was big shock for Mr Bhujbal. If Sameer has been arrested then, Pankaj, his son and he himself may face the music," party leader hinted.
ED had said that Sameer was not cooperating and helping therefore they had no option but to arrest him.
BJP MP from Mumbai, Kirit Somaiya, had also tweeted after Sameer's arrest, "We have done it, Pankaj to follow". Kirit was referring to Bhujbal's son Pankaj who is also one of the directors in the firms that are alleged to be involved in money laundering.
Another leader said that due to Sameer Bhujbal's arrest, other leaders like Ajit Pawar and the NCP state president Sunil Tatkare are also facing inquiries. "Now, these leaders will be quite cautious and may not attack on the government. NCP, as a party, played very confused and soft opposition role. Initially, our leaders hurriedly declared unconditional support to the BJP that decision made us the B-team of the BJP in the political circle. We expected some return against this support like no harsh actions against our leaders. But this decision (supporting BJP) was really wrong. We are paying the heavy political price for the incorrect decisions," said senior NCP leader.
He added that the NCP state president Sunil Tatkare is also docked and he may be also face the music after Bhujbal. "Before the ED and anti-corruption bureau takes any action, he should be replaced with the clean image president. We have really lost the face and credibility," he added.
After the Sameer Bhujbal's arrest by ED, the senior NCP leader Chaggan Bhujbal who is away from India changed his 'WhatsApp' display picture and put the picture of woman stabbed by the several knives. This DP of WhatsApp created furore in the political circle. "This picture is symbolic that has pointed finger at the NCP leader who failed to protect the Bhujbal and his family. It also meant that Sameer Bhujbal's friends had also cheated him. Interestingly, Mr Bhujbal had also earlier expressed his anguish that the NCP leader (Sharad Pawar) did not use his clout to protect him," source said.
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