Targeted because I am a backward, says Chhagan Bhujbal

Mumbai: Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday alleged that he was being targeted by the BJP government as he belonged to a backward community and because some people were trying to settle scores with him.

Bhujbal's nephew Samir was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case in Mumbai yesterday after the agency conducted multiple searches in connection with its probe against Bhujbals and others.

In a video released from the US, Bhujbal alleged that he is being targeted by the BJP government, because he is a leader of the OBCs.

"Some people are trying to settle scores with me for the fight that I have put up for the cause," the former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister said.

Samir's arrest was preceded by multiple searches in Mumbai conducted by the ED in connection with its money laundering probe against Chhagan Bhujbal and others.

The Union Government, in the winter session of Parliament in December, had said that Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigations against Chhagan Bhujbal and others have showed that entities, which have subscribed to companies controlled by the politician's family were "dubious" and their transactions were done only on paper.

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on December 18, had said a case has been registered by the ED against Bhujbal, his family members including MLA son Pankaj, ex-MP nephew Samir, a firm called Ms KS Chamankar Enterprises and others.