NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal is all set to become a minister in the Mahayuti 2.0 government, taking over the position left vacant by Dhananjay Munde. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday morning at the Raj Bhavan, according to sources familiar with the matter. Bhujbal, representing Yeola, will step into the role previously held by Munde, who resigned as the minister of food and civil supply following the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in connection with the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Bhujbal’s nephew, former MP Sameer Bhujbal, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing his uncle’s advocacy for the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The prominent OBC leader had been a key ally of Ajit Pawar before the NCP split in June 2023. Despite being appointed as a minister during that period, Bhujbal was excluded from NCP’s ministerial team after the Mahayuti’s victory in the 2014 assembly elections. His exclusion had left him disgruntled, leading to his ongoing expression of discontent. The timing of Bhujbal’s induction is noteworthy, coinciding with the Modi government’s announcement of a caste-wise census, which is expected to elevate the political influence of OBCs in the state.
The state is also gearing up for elections to 687 municipal bodies and district councils post-monsoon, with OBC voters projected to play a crucial role in these mini-assembly polls. The move to appoint Bhujbal as a minister aligns with the current political landscape, signaling a shift towards increased representation of OBCs. As the state prepares for upcoming elections and the implementation of caste-wise census data, Bhujbal’s appointment underscores a strategic move by the government to address the demands and concerns of marginalized communities.
