Mumbai: In a surprising development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday advised the supporters of the incarcerated former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who met him, to give a call to launch a “Chhodo (release) Bhujbal” campaign. The MNS chief mentioned how Bhujbal had allegedly troubled him, without referring any details. He, however, quickly said that he ‘forgot all things’. Bhujbal supporters met Mr Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai. 

Mr Thackeray and Bhujbal have been bitter opponents in the past with the former playing a major role in ensuring that Mr Thackeray was made an accused in the 1996 case involving the death of Ramesh Keni under suspicious circumstances. 

Bhujbal is in the prison since two years after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Bhujbal’s supporters MLA Jayant Jadhav, former MP Devidas Pingle, Dilip Khaire, Shirish Kotwal and others met Mr Thackeray on Monday. 

Chhagan Bhujbal

It may be recalled that Bhujbal was the leader of opposition in 1995 when the Shiv Sena-led government was in the power in the state. Bhujbal attacked Mr Thackeray over Kini’s suspicious death.  

MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said that Mr Thacekray would decide the stand of the party soon over the issue. Sources said that if the MNS chief backs the demand for Bhujbal’s release, it would change the dynamics of state politics for the 2019 the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.