Mumbai, Jun 11 (TOI): Following speculation over his meeting with leaders cutting party lines, senior NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal cleared the air on Sunday.

“I will remain in the party and will continue to work for its progress,” he said, adding that rumours were being spread about him opposing the demand for reservation for Marathas. “I will always support the demand as I believe that Marathas should get a reservation,” he said.

Bhujbal, who was in jail for more than two years following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for his alleged involvement in the Rs 880 crore Maharashtra Sadan case, was released on bail granted by the Bombay high court in May.

“Leaders from almost all parties met me and sympathised with me but that does not mean I am joining any other party,” he clarified. On the money laundering case, Bhujbal maintained that he had full faith in the judiciary and will come out unscathed in the case.