'Am I a toy?': NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal launches veiled attack on party president Ajit Pawar after exclusion from Cabinet expansion

The row over denial of ministerial berth to Chhagan  Bhujbal is escalating, with the Nationalist Congress leader leaning away from Ajit Pawar and towards the BJP. Chhagan  Bhujbal is making it clear that he intends to take action, but keeps everyone guessing about what that action will be - walking over to the BJP or forming a new party. That is, unless he is suitably compensated for the loss of the ministerial berth.

Ajit Pawar, meanwhile, is maintaining a stony silence - not unlike the time he shifted from the Maha Viaks Aghadi to the ruling alliance. He even skipped the Day One of the Assembly session yesterday - which is usually devoted to formalities including homage to MLAs who died.

He maintained silence even when Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis clarified the reason why some of their ministers were not given a chance this time.