'I've always paid the price for being vocal for OBCs'

"I have always paid the price for being vocal on issues of the OBCs but will continue to do so," the veteran leader known for his comebacks said during an interview with Faisal Malik and Shailesh Gaikwad.

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MUMBAI: Newly inducted Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister and prominent Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday told Hindustan Times that he was definitely not happy when he was excluded from the cabinet after the Mahayuti returned to power last year.

Edited excerpts:

Are you happy to be back in the state cabinet?

Definitely. I played an important role in building this house. So, when I was asked to take an unceremonious exit, I felt bad. But now, the regret has reduced.

Did you feel humiliated when you were left out?

Yes, it was humiliating for me. From Balasaheb Thackeray to Sharad Pawar, all the party bosses gave me good positions in power because I was useful for them. Even now, it was I who fought for the OBCs in Maharashtra (after Manoj Jarange-Patil sought reservation for Marathas within the OBC quota).

Is it true that the Mahayuti was compelled to induct you in the cabinet considering the changing political situation and the forthcoming local polls?

That is not the only reason. Why did the Congress want me in 1991 (when he was made a minister for the first time) or in 1993 (when he was named opposition leader in the legislative council)? Why did Balasaheb (Thackeray) make me the mayor of Mumbai twice? Because I like to throw myself into the assigned task. Maybe people like this face, this speech, this work—they have faith in me.