NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal hints at India tour after recovery

Ending speculation about his future plans, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal clarified that he will attend the party’s foundation day programme scheduled on June 10 in Pune if his health allows him to do so.

Bhujbal further said he may need surgical intervention to become fit. He also indicated he may undertake a country-wide tour in the future. “Why only Nashik and Maharashtra, I will undertake a country-wide tour but let me get rid of the illness first,” Bhujbal said.

Bhujbal was discharged from KEM hospital in Parel on Thursday. He was hospitalised after he the Bombay HC granted him bail on May 4 considering his old age and deteriorating health. Once a firebrand leader, Bhujbal, now 70, suffers from multiple ailments.

Doctors discharged him after he requested to stay at home for a few days. Bhujbal left for his home in Santacruz immediately after his discharge. “The first call received after my bail was from NCP chief Sharad Pawar,” Bhujbal said adding, “I may be hospitalised for some surgery again and will remain present for party’s foundation day if my health permits.”

The NCP leader is accused of money laundering and was in jail since March 2016. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly receiving kickbacks worth crores for awarding various government contracts, including the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, and got bail on May 4, after spending two years in jail. He is likely to play an active role as an OBC leader in the 2019 polls. However, he is also likely to be admitted to Lilavati Hospital for a surgery before that. Reacting to his arrest, Bhujbal said it happens sometimes in politics. “Now I am hoping that the sky will get clear gradually and truth will come out,” he said. Bhujbal was granted bail on the condition that he will have to appear before the ED for questioning whenever required.

Meanwhile, Pawar on Thursday said the party decided to ally with the Congress for the elections. “We decided to ally with the Congress and other like-minded parties for the upcoming elections. This will help us in winning more seats.” He also said he will be glad if Bhujbal could have attended the party meet