Maharashtra: Chhagan Bhujbal likely to be re-inducted as minister today

The induction of Bhujbal in the cabinet follows the resignation of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde in March, during the budget session. Munde resigned after he got embroiled in a controversy related to his close associate Walmik Karad, who was accused of killing Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Bhujbal is likely to get the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio, which was earlier held by Munde.

Bhujbal’s re-induction into the cabinet is significant, given his earlier exclusion during the December 2024 expansion of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s government. The development then had caused discontent among several NCP leaders.

His return to the cabinet aims to strengthen the Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, ahead of the civic elections which are slated to take place later this year. Bhujbal is considered as a strongman of Nashik district which is also going to witness civic body polls.

A veteran politician, Bhujbal has served in various capacities, including as Deputy Chief Minister and as minister during his career.

He began his political journey with the Shiv Sena, later joining the Congress, and was a founding member of the NCP in 1999. His influence among the OBC communities is considered pivotal for the coalition’s outreach.

With the induction of Bhujbal, there would be a total of 42 ministers in the state including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ekhnath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.