Chhagan Bhujbal says he is innocent, wants God to give him a chance to prove it

Mumbai city news: Bhujbal, who was brought to Vidhan Bhavan at 12.15 pm in an ambulance escorted by police vans, cast his vote and left for Arthur Road jail in about two hours

Nationalist Congress Party leader and former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that he was innocent and was praying to god for an opportunity to prove himself.

Chaggan Bhujbal outside Vidhan sabha during the Presidential election in Mumbai. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT)

Bhujbal, who voted in the presidential election at Vidhan Bhavan on Monday, said that he was suffering from many ailments, but it would take him only a brief time to prove his innocence once he was out.

Bhujbal, who was brought to Vidhan Bhavan at 12.15 pm in an ambulance escorted by police vans, cast his vote and left for Arthur Road jail in about two hours. He was greeted by his party leaders and legislators, some of whom even touched his feet. Bhujbal, who has been arrested in March 2016 in Maharashtra Sadan scam case, also met colleagues.

“We met him. He appeared shaken and said he was suffering from ailments. He said he wanted to work for the party and assist Pawar saab (NCP chief Sharad Pawar) to strengthen the party. He reads about 11 newspapers in jail and keep track of the partywork through news reports,” said NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar later.

Another party leader Jayant Patil said, “He turned sentimental after meeting us. He has been repeatedly saying that he had not committed any offence and was being targeted.”

Bhujbal, who had been treated at government hospitals early this year, was complaining of arthritis, colitis and has been advised angioplasty.