NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal says he is free to launch hunger strike for Phulewada expansion

Pune: NCP's senior member Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday said that he is now free to sit on a hunger strike to expedite the expansion work of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule wada in Pune.
He was visiting the premises on the eve of the social reformer's birth anniversary. He also met Pune Municipal Corporation officials for updates on the expansion work.
Bhujbal said on Wednesday, "I am a fighter, but now I am tired. The last resort to expedite the work for the project is to sit here on strike."
On whether he could protest despite being in government, Bhujbal said, "I am a member of the party that is in government. I am an MLA. If I had some other responsibilities, it would be difficult to push for this project, but I am now free and can go on a hunger strike." The MLA has openly expressed his disappointment at not getting a ministerial berth in Mahayuti's second term.
After meeting PMC officials, Bhujbal said he was disappointed with the pace of work. He said, "Chief minister and deputy chief ministers have taken much interest in the expansion work of Phulewada. The chief minister sanctioned Rs 200 crore for it of which Rs 100 crore has been given to PMC. However, there have been zero efforts from its officials."
Bhujbal also spoke to residents who live around the wada. "Some are willing to give up their land for the expansion project, but PMC officials are doing nothing. They do not even know how much compensation will have to be given," he added.
There are 400 to 500km of highways being built and officials convince people to give away the land for the highway project. However, for the Phule Wada expansion project, PMC officials are passing the buck, the former cabinet minister said.
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‘Nobody should oppose Phule film'
Bhujbal has come to the defence of ‘Phule', the movie on Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule directed by Ananth Mahadevan, after its release was postponed after some organisations objected to the trailer.
"History should be presented by itself and people should watch it in the context of that era when it was unfolding. While some Brahmins opposed Jyotiba Phule, some others stood by him," he added.
He said that the makers of the movie met him and confirmed that they have not taken any liberties while making this movie. "It is based on facts. Since it is the first-ever Hindi movie on the life of Mahatma Phule, I feel that nobody should oppose it," Bhujbal said.