Chhagan Bhujbal of NCP Sworn In as Maharashtra Minister

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal took oath on Tuesday morning as a minister in the Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by prominent state leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who is also the chief of the NCP. Other key ministers of the Mahayuti coalition were also present on the occasion.

During the event, Eknath Shinde acknowledged Bhujbal’s extensive political experience, noting that he has previously served in various ministerial roles and headed several departments. Shinde emphasized that Bhujbal’s inclusion in the cabinet would significantly benefit the functioning of the Maharashtra government. He mentioned that Chief Minister Fadnavis would soon assign a specific portfolio to Bhujbal. Shinde also highlighted Bhujbal’s roots in the Shiv Sena, stating that he began his political journey as a Shiv Sainik under the leadership of Bal Thackeray. From being a corporator and then mayor, Bhujbal progressed to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and later a minister, holding several influential posts over the decades.

In his interaction with ANI, Shinde praised Bhujbal for his dedication and service to the state, reiterating that his vast administrative and political experience would be a valuable asset for the current government.

Maharashtra Minister and State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule also expressed his support for Bhujbal’s induction into the cabinet. Speaking to the media, Bawankule described Bhujbal as a prominent OBC (Other Backward Class) leader and said his presence would bolster the strength of the Mahayuti alliance. He further stated that Bhujbal’s leadership would contribute significantly to achieving the vision of “Viksit Maharashtra” (Developed Maharashtra), a key goal of the state administration.

Chhagan Bhujbal, who currently serves as the MLA from Yeola constituency in Nashik district, has had a long and distinguished political career. He previously held several important ministerial portfolios and notably served as the fifth Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, Bhujbal was actively involved in various administrative functions and policy-making processes, earning a reputation as a seasoned and capable leader.

His political career began in the 1960s when he joined the Shiv Sena at a time when the regional political movement advocating for the rights of Marathi-speaking people was gaining momentum. Bhujbal steadily rose through the ranks of the party, beginning as a local corporator and eventually becoming mayor before transitioning to state-level politics. Over the years, he shifted allegiance to the Nationalist Congress Party and continued to play a key role in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Bhujbal’s swearing-in marks yet another strategic move by the Mahayuti coalition to consolidate support across communities and regions within Maharashtra. His experience, OBC background, and political reach are seen as key assets in strengthening the government's base and ensuring effective governance moving forward.