Will work with Khadse for OBC cause: Bhujbal

BJP leader Eknath Khadse had raised issues of the OBC community in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and had worked for them, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said here today.

Bhujbal, a former deputy chief minister, also said that he would like to work with Khadse in future.

Khadse had to step down as Revenue Minister in 2016 on allegations of corruption.

Khadse, believed to be a political adversary of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is struggling to make a come back in state Cabinet since he stepped down.

Bhujbal, an accused in a money laundering case, was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in May this year after remaining in jail for more than 24 months.

"Former minister Eknath Khadse had raised issues pertaining to OBCs in the state Assembly. He had worked for the cause of OBCs. In future, I will work with Khadse," Bhujbal told reporters.

He recalled that late BJP leader Gopinath Munde had reacted positively on the issue of the OBC census.

"I will raise the issues pertaining to OBCs in the Assembly and at other forums with the support of various stake-holders. The OBC cause is beyond politics," he said.

Bhujbal, who represents Yeola constituency in state Assembly, said he had not yet decided to contest future elections.

He replied in negative when asked whether he would contest the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

"I am unwell. I cannot tell you about my future course of action at this juncture. My party will decide about me on the basis of my work," he said.