Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) took oath as a Minister in the Maharashtra government at the Raj Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) expanded his five month-old cabinet, with the induction of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal as a minister.

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) took oath as a Minister in the Maharashtra government at the Raj Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

After taking the oath as Maharashtra minister, Mr. Bhujbal said, “As it is said, ‘everything is well if it ends well’.” Mr. Bhujbal was not accommodated, when Mahayuti government came to power and allowed the ministry. Mr. Bhujbal also expressed is disappointment when he was not included in the cabinet. This development is seen as strategic to manage the political equation after NCP leader Dhananjay Munde resigned.

OBC leader is likely to be given the same Ministry of Food and Civil supplies. However, Mr. Bhujbal has not confirmed it, saying, “Whatever CM and DCM decides, I will be fine as I have handled various portfolios since 1991.”

DCM Eknath Shinde congratulated Mr. Bhujbal and said, “He is experienced leader and Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sainik, government will be benefit from his presence.”

Chhagan Bhujbal is one of Maharashtra’s most senior politicians, with a career spanning over six decades. He started his political journey with Shiv Sena, becoming the party’s first mayor. Due to ideological differences, he left Shiv Sena in 1991 and joined the Congress. In 1999, he co-founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with Sharad Pawar and has since been a key figure in the party.

Mr. Bhujbal has held several significant positions, including Deputy Chief Minister, Public Works Minister, and Food Supply Minister. He has been elected as an MLA from Yeola multiple times, showcasing his strong connection with the people.