‘First Minister Jailed in a False Case’: Sanjay Raut Reopens ED Row After Chhagan Bhujbal Gets Bail

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has reignited the political debate around enforcement agencies after senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal received bail, recalling the long legal battle that kept the Maharashtra cabinet minister behind bars for over two years.

Speaking to the media, Raut said Bhujbal’s case marked a turning point in Indian politics, where a serving cabinet minister was arrested and jailed for a prolonged period. He alleged that the case was politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition leaders.

Raut said, “Chhagan Bhujbal was the first case in the country where a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra was trapped in a false case — trapped in a false case, arrested by the ED, and kept in jail for two-and-a-half years…”

Chhagan Bhujbal, a senior OBC leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in public works contracts. The case was registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and Bhujbal was taken into custody amid high political drama.

For nearly two-and-a-half years, Bhujbal remained in jail as his bail pleas were repeatedly rejected. During this period, opposition parties consistently claimed that central agencies were being misused to pressure political leaders. The issue became a major talking point in Maharashtra politics, especially during changes in government and alliances.

After a prolonged legal process, the court finally granted bail to Bhujbal, citing factors including the long period of incarceration and the slow pace of trial. His release was welcomed by supporters, who described it as delayed justice.

Raut said Bhujbal’s bail exposes what he called a dangerous trend of using investigative agencies to silence political opponents. He claimed that many leaders are being arrested first and allowed to fight their cases later, damaging democratic values.

The ruling alliance, however, has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that agencies act independently and within the law.