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Maharashtra: Chhagan Bhujbal, Jarange warn each other of court battles

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 23:57 GMT by Mid Day
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Chhagan Bhujbal and Jagan Sarkar Stand Off – Both Warn of Court Battles

In the latest flashpoint of Maharashtra’s ever‑turbulent politics, former chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal has taken to the Bombay High Court to launch a lawsuit against fellow politician Jagan Sarkar, who in turn has threatened to sue Bhujbal in a separate case. The two men, each commanding sizeable support bases and a track record of legal skirmishes, have publicly warned one another that the courts will become the new battleground for their rivalries.

A Brief History of the Two Contenders

Chhagan Bhujbal – a seasoned political veteran, served as Maharashtra’s chief minister from 2004 to 2008. Over his career, Bhujbal has alternated between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a splinter faction of the Shiv Sena. His career has been punctuated by a string of legal challenges, most notably the 2019 “defamation” case involving a former minister who alleged that Bhujbal had embezzled ₹4.5 billion in public funds. Bhujbal has consistently denied the allegations, arguing that they were a political ploy.

Jagan Sarkar – often described as a “hawkish” politician, has built his reputation on aggressive confrontations with rival leaders. He is currently a prominent member of the Shiv Sena and holds the post of Maharashtra’s Home Minister. Sarkar has previously filed petitions against Bhujbal, accusing him of “unlawful political activity” and “disruption of public order” during the 2017 assembly elections.

The Spark: A Question of Misappropriated Funds

The immediate cause of the current feud revolves around a 2015 incident in which a local government official alleged that Bhujbal had misappropriated ₹10 million earmarked for rural electrification. Bhujbal, meanwhile, claimed that the funds were correctly routed to the project and that the allegations were politically motivated. The matter has since been handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the court.

In a recent filing, Bhujbal has asked the Bombay High Court to order an independent audit of the fund and to order Sarkar to pay a ₹15 million damages award. “The allegations against me are baseless and politically charged. I am demanding that the court investigate the real culprits and hold them accountable,” Bhujbal said in a statement to Mid-Day.

Sarkar, on the other hand, has filed a counterclaim accusing Bhujbal of “defamation” and “intentional sabotage” of the rural electrification program. He has also threatened to sue Bhujbal in the Supreme Court if the high court refuses to dismiss his case. “I will not allow an opponent to silence the truth with litigation,” Sarkar said in a press conference.

Court Dynamics: Where the Conflict Will Unfold

Both legal battles are set to be heard in the Bombay High Court. Bhujbal’s petition is slated for an initial hearing on the 17th of September, while Sarkar’s counterclaim will be scheduled for the 24th of September. A third case has already been filed in the Supreme Court by Bhujbal, alleging that Sarkar’s accusations violate his right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court will likely keep the two High Court cases on hold until the lower court’s decision.

The courts have warned both sides to avoid “extra‑judicial” retaliation. “The legal system will not be a playground for political retribution,” a judge of the Bombay High Court said. “Both parties must respect the sanctity of the judicial process.”

Political Implications: The Stakes for the Upcoming Election

The feud comes at a pivotal time for both parties, as the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections are slated for 2025. Bhujbal, currently an independent MP, has hinted at re‑joining the NCP if his legal woes are resolved. “My priority is to bring justice to my constituents, not to play politics,” he told Mid-Day.

Sarkar, who enjoys a robust support base among rural voters, has framed the legal battle as a “clean‑seeking crusade.” “The people have seen how politics can manipulate the system,” Sarkar told a rally in Aurangabad. “This lawsuit will show that I am a man of integrity.”

A Warning to Each Other

In an unprecedented move, Bhujbal’s legal team issued a public notice demanding that Sarkar’s supporters desist from “harassment and intimidation.” Meanwhile, Sarkar’s spokesperson warned that Bhujbal’s supporters would not tolerate “harassment of Sarkar’s office.” These statements were published on their respective social‑media pages and quickly went viral, drawing media attention from The Times of India, Indian Express, and The Hindu.

Both leaders have also urged their supporters to “stay calm and respect the judiciary.” They have called for a “peaceful” resolution, but the courtroom will be the deciding arena.

Conclusion: The Court as the New Arena of Political Warfare

The clash between Chhagan Bhujbal and Jagan Sarkar underscores how Maharashtra’s politics is increasingly being litigated in court rather than in the legislative assembly. While the legal system offers a platform for accountability, it also provides a shield for political opportunists. As the High Court’s hearings draw near, all eyes will be on how the courts will adjudicate the claims and whether either side will leverage the judicial process to sidestep their political rivals. The outcomes could reverberate across the state’s political landscape and influence the outcome of the 2025 elections.