Bhujbal’s return to ministerial office has sparked varied reactions across the political and social spectrum. However, Damania’s comments have been among the most vocal and scathing.
"I don’t know what to say. I feel sad, angry, and resentful," said Damania. "It makes me question what we are really fighting for."
Referring to the various corruption cases she had pursued—including the Maharashtra Sadan scam, the irrigation scam, and others—Damania expressed disillusionment with the current political climate.
“I didn’t just make allegations, I provided proof. When I filed a petition against Chhagan Bhujbal, I presented details of seven scams and submitted evidence worth ₹2,653 crore to the Anti-Corruption Bureau—complete with bank statements. Despite this, even after being sentenced to two and a half years in jail, he is brought back as a minister. What kind of message does this send to citizens who fight against corruption?”
Damania argued that such political moves undermine public trust and demoralize activists working for transparency and accountability. She claimed that decisions like these show that the government is indifferent to anti-corruption efforts and more focused on political arithmetic.
She also questioned Bhujbal’s claims of representing the OBC community, particularly the Mali community to which he belongs.
“What has Bhujbal really done for the OBCs? Show me one person from the Mali community who has benefited at the scale Bhujbal has. The ₹2,653 crore is in Bhujbal’s account—not in the community’s. If he were truly working for the OBCs, the situation of the community would have improved.”
Concluding her remarks, Damania warned that the return of tainted leaders into positions of power threatens the foundation of democracy.
“This is not democracy—this is political business. The day people realize this truth, real democracy will begin.”
Her comments have reignited debate over ethics in politics, the role of anti-corruption institutions, and the broader implications of allowing leaders with tainted pasts back into governance.