I don't want to die as an accused, want to prove my innocence: Chhagan Bhujbal
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has been in Arthur Road jail for over a year. He has been facing charges under the prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal cast his vote for the Presidential elections in Mumbai. Bhujbal was granted permission by the court after his request to participate in the polls. Bhujbal has been in Arthur Road jail for over a year. He has been facing charges under the prevention of Money Laundering Act.
A frail looking Bhujbal with a full grown white beard was brought to the Vidhan Bhawan in an ambulance. Once known for his penchant for designer mufflers and style statement, a visibly ill Bhujbal walked inside the Vidhan Bhawan premises with the support of party colleagues. The OBC leader who was almost isolated in the party ever since his arrest was received at the Vidhan Bhawan gate by his party colleagues including state president Sunil Tatkare, LoP Dhananjay Munde, MLAs Jitendra Awhad, Pankaj Bhujbal among others.
After casting his vote, a tired Bhujbal rested for a brief time inside the Vidhan Bhawan where several MLAs from his own party NCP and others from Congress and even the BJP and Shiv Sena met him inquiring about his health.
While leaving, an emotional Bhujbal spoke to waiting reporters briefly. "I am innocent but I should at least get an opportunity to prove my innocence. I don't want to die as an accused... My only prayer to God is that he should give me one opportunity to come out and prove my innocence..." Bhujbal said.
Apart from Bhujbal, another NCP leader Ramesh Kadam was also brought out of the Byculla jail to caste his vote. Kadam is facing charges of corruption worth crores in the Annabhau Sathe Backward Development Corporation case.
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Besides Bhujbal, Mumbai-based Purohit allegedly involved in money laundering for business houses