Chhagan Bhujbal Takes Oath as Maharashtra Minister in Devendra Fadnavis’ Cabinet
K N Mishra
20/May/2025

What's covered under the Article
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Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal sworn in as Maharashtra cabinet minister after Dhananjay Munde’s resignation.
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Bhujbal likely to handle Food and Civil Supplies portfolio; move seen as strategic to bolster NCP’s role in Mahayuti government.
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Veteran OBC leader’s inclusion aims to stabilize alliance politics and enhance outreach among backward communities in the state.
In a significant political development, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government on May 20, 2025, at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai. The oath of office was administered by Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Bhujbal’s induction comes after a prolonged absence from the cabinet and is expected to fill the vacancy left by Dhananjay Munde, who resigned from the post of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister in March 2025 following the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in connection with the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
In his address after taking oath, Bhujbal expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Fadnavis, and the deputy CMs for entrusting him with the responsibility. He assured that he would fulfil his duties diligently.
Strategic Significance of Bhujbal’s Inclusion
Chhagan Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader and political veteran, was not included in the cabinet when it was expanded in December 2024. His exclusion had sparked public disappointment and internal tensions within the NCP camp. His return is now being perceived as a strategic move to strengthen the NCP’s standing within the ruling alliance and appease the politically influential OBC community, which forms a substantial voter base in Maharashtra.
Bhujbal, aged 77, continues to wield strong influence in state politics, especially in Nashik and surrounding regions. His re-induction signals an attempt to balance power dynamics within the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.
Portfolio and Governance Experience
Though the official portfolio allocation is yet to be confirmed, Bhujbal is likely to be assigned the Food and Civil Supplies ministry, a department he previously held. His experience in the same role is expected to help maintain continuity and stabilize policy decisions following Munde’s exit.
Bhujbal has previously held key ministries such as Public Works (PWD), Home, and Food and Civil Supplies, and served as Deputy Chief Minister during the Congress-NCP coalition government. He is known for his administrative acumen and grassroots political connect, especially among backward class communities.
Political Journey of Chhagan Bhujbal
Born on October 15, 1947, Chhagan Bhujbal began his life as a vegetable vendor in Byculla Market in Mumbai. He pursued a diploma in engineering and entered politics through the Shiv Sena in the 1960s. He was elected as a Shiv Sena MLA from Mazagaon in 1985 and won again from the same seat.
In 1991, Bhujbal left Shiv Sena over ideological differences related to OBC reservations during the Mandal Commission era and joined the Indian National Congress. When Sharad Pawar founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, Bhujbal followed him and became the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister in the new government.
His political journey has been marked by both success and controversy. In 2016, Bhujbal was arrested in a money laundering case and spent two years in jail before being granted bail. Despite these setbacks, Bhujbal has remained a significant force in Maharashtra politics, commanding respect across party lines.
Recent Political Context
Bhujbal’s exclusion from the cabinet in 2024 had led to tensions within the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. Bhujbal had openly expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment, sparking speculation of internal discontent. His re-induction is seen as a consolidation move to avoid further dissent and prepare the alliance for the upcoming electoral challenges, including the 2026 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
His return also highlights the Fadnavis government's attempt to balance regional, caste, and political equations, ensuring equitable representation among alliance partners.
Conclusion
The induction of Chhagan Bhujbal into the Maharashtra cabinet marks a crucial political development. As an OBC stalwart, experienced administrator, and seasoned leader, his presence is expected to bring both stability and strategic advantage to the Mahayuti alliance. With the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio likely under his purview again, Bhujbal is set to play a key role in shaping governance and strengthening NCP’s influence in the months to come.
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