Top News
Back home on bail, Bhujbal to return to active politics soon (Lead)
Mumbai, May 10 (IANS) Home on bail after over two years in jail, former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday indicated that he would soon bounce back into active politics soon.
Looking weary but relaxed, and much leaner self, Bhujbal, 71, was granted bail by Bombay High Court last Friday but was hospitalized since then for various health issues.
He was discharged by the KEM Hospital this morning and returned home to a rousing welcome from his family members, relatives, friends and hundreds of enthusiastic party activists.
Bhujbal also received a call from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar who enquired after his health and wished him speedy recovery.
A prominent OBC leader and founder of Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, Bhujbal is slated to address a public meeting of the NCP on its 20th anniversary on June 10 in Pune, according to party General Secretary Praful Patel.
The rally would signal Bhujbal’s comeback to active politics which he plans to follow up with similar meeting in his home district Nashik, Maharashtra and all over India.
In a surprise development on Wednesday, Bhujbal’s son and legislator son Pankaj Bhujbal had called on the Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, sending political circles in a tizzy over the Bhujbal clan’s future plans.
However, Bhujbal himself set at rest all speculation on Thursday, saying it was merely to express gratitude to the Thackeray family.
“I am indebted to them. They supported me in my days of need. It was a family like relationship of 25 years with the Shiv Sena, they will be concerned. They have been my well-wishers, as also many others,” he said after reaching his Santacruz residence.
Pankaj Bhujbal said in a statement later that his father has been suffering from pancreatic problems since past over two months and has undergone treatment at the Sir J. J. Hospital and later at KEM Hospital.
“It has improved his condition. However, doctors have advised further course of treatment and possibly surgery for which he will be re-admitted to hospital later,” he said.
Till he completely recovers, Bhujbal will be taking rest before returning to fully active public life, he added.
In a major swoop, Bhujbal was nabbed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 14, 2016 in connection with two money-laundering cases filed against him, his nephew and former NCP MP Sameer Bhujbal and other family members, besides business associates.
Later, they were probed for three other alleged corruption cases by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which lodged a charge-sheet against Bhujbal, Sameer and 15 others in the Maharashtra Sadan scam case of New Delhi, in February 2016.
Arrested in February 2016, Sameer Bhujbal is still in judicial custody and has recently moved a bail plea.
–IANS
qn/vd
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.