Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, May 20: In a significant political development, veteran NCP leader and prominent OBC face Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a minister in the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday, marking his return to the state ministry after a brief hiatus.

The 77-year-old leader was administered the oath of office by Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais at a formal ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who heads the five-month-old coalition government, oversaw the induction.

Bhujbal’s comeback comes in the wake of a vacancy created by the resignation of fellow NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who stepped down from the post of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister in March. Munde’s resignation followed the arrest of his close associate Walmik Karad in connection with the sensational murder case of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Sources within the ruling alliance revealed that Bhujbal’s re-induction aims to stabilise the party's OBC vote bank and balance internal equations within the NCP faction led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Though Bhujbal was overlooked during the initial cabinet expansion in December 2024, leading to visible discontent, his reappointment is seen as a reconciliatory gesture. A seasoned political stalwart, Bhujbal has previously served in various key ministerial portfolios and is known for his grassroots connect and administrative acumen.

Political observers note that his presence is likely to bolster the government ahead of key civic and local body elections later this year.

Bhujbal's supporters celebrated the announcement across parts of Nashik and Mumbai, hailing it as long overdue recognition of his service and stature in Maharashtra politics.