Mumbai: Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal took oath as a Minister in the Maharashtra government at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Tuesday morning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also present on the occasion.
Chhagan Bhujbal's re-entry into the Maharashtra Cabinet comes in the wake of fellow Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde's resignation. Munde, who held the portfolio of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, stepped down in March after his close associate, Walmik Karad, was arrested in connection with the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Following his swearing-in, Bhujbal expressed satisfaction, saying, “As it is said, ‘all’s well that ends well’. I have held many key positions, from the home ministry to various other departments. Whatever responsibility is assigned to me now will be accepted, it’s the Chief Minister’s prerogative.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed Bhujbal’s induction into the cabinet, highlighting his vast administrative experience. “He has previously served as a minister and handled important departments. He is a seasoned leader, and the state will benefit from his insights and leadership,” Shinde said.
Who Is Chhagan Bhujbal?
Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, is a veteran figure in Maharashtra politics with a career that spans several decades. He has served in various governments, including as Deputy Chief Minister, and is known for his administrative acumen. A leader from the Mali community, Bhujbal is also one of the most prominent OBC leaders in the state.
Despite his seniority, Bhujbal has often voiced dissent, particularly on sensitive issues. During the 2023 Maratha reservation agitation, his remarks against Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil caused friction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. At the time, Bhujbal was a minister and openly criticized the agitation’s direction. Amid growing controversy, he even offered to resign from the cabinet on November 16, 2023.
His exclusion from the Mahayuti 2.0 cabinet expansion in December 2024 under CM Devendra Fadnavis had sparked public displeasure. Bhujbal’s absence was particularly notable given his stature and the expectation that OBC representation would remain strong in the state leadership.
With his return to the cabinet, Bhujbal’s presence is expected to restore some balance within the alliance and strengthen the government’s connect with OBC communities. His comeback also signals a potential recalibration of internal equations within the NCP and the broader state leadership.
