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Journalism of Courage
Over two years after he created history by defeating the then agriculture minister Anil Bonde in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) expelled its lone MLA Devendra Bhuyar, who represents the Varud-Morshi constituency, from the organisation.
Former MP and SSS leader Raju Shetti announced the expulsion while addressing a public gathering in Bhuyar’s home district of Amravati on Thursday evening.
Bhuyar, a long-time worker of the farmers’ outfit, had emerged as a giant killer by defeating Bonde in the 2019 polls. His election was marred by violence as the day of polling saw his vehicle being attacked and shots fired at Bhuyar. Back then, his win had drawn parallels with Shetti’s first victory as crowdsourcing had played a major role in funding his election. Bhuyar’s private secretary and campaign manager Roshan Darokar had pointed out then that in many places, villagers pooled in money to buy fuel for their vehicles after the public meetings.
However, differences soon cropped up between Bhuyar and Shetti and allegations were levelled that the latter stalled the MLA’s chances of being inducted in the state Cabinet. Since then, Bhuyar has been allegedly keeping a distance from the organisation and refusing to participate in its events or agitations. Shetti said Bhuyar had even taken off the red badge that SSS members always wear.
In a statement, Shetti talked about various complaints he had received from members of the organisation about Bhuyar, which forced him to take the decision. Bhuyar’s ouster is the latest in the series of high-profile expulsions from the organisation. Earlier Sadashiv Khot, a former minister of state, was expelled for his alleged ties with the BJP.
The farmers’ collective which rose to prominence due to its aggressive posturing on various agriculture-based issues has of late lost much ground with Shetti failing to be elected from his home constituency of Hatkanagale in Kolhapur district. During the 2019 Assembly polls, Shetti had aligned with the Congress and the NCP and was allocated two seats.
Local factors as well as anti-incumbency against Bonde had played a major role in Bhuyar’s victory. Located in Amravati district of Vidharbha, Varud-Morshi had seen the Congress, NCP and RPI helping Bhuyar against the BJP. With many of Bhuyar’s close confidants in the NCP, it is believed that he may join the party.
While Bhuyar was not available for comment, Darokar gave a cautious reaction. “Shetti saheb is our leader and he would have his own reasons for his decision. We welcome his decision in all humility,” he said.
