Chhagan Bhujbal returns to cabinet as Mahayuti courts OBC votes

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday, marking a dramatic return to the cabinet after being sidelined for months by his party leadership. His induction comes in place of Dhananjay Munde, who resigned following allegations of involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district.

Bhujbal's re-entry is being seen as a calculated move by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to consolidate OBC support ahead of crucial local body elections. A veteran OBC leader with mass appeal, Bhujbal was denied a cabinet berth in December 2024, with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP reportedly pushing for younger faces and suggesting he move to the Rajya Sabha. The decision sparked a public outburst from Bhujbal, who accused the party of being run as a "one-man show" and warned that senior leaders like him were being ignored.

Despite past friction, the BJP is said to have remained keen on leveraging Bhujbal's influence. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Bhujbal revealed that the BJP had backed his possible candidature from Nashik, viewing it as a means to rally OBC voters. However, the plan fell through as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena refused to vacate the seat.

Bhujbal's induction has drawn criticism from anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania, who pointed out that the BJP had once levelled multiple graft allegations against him.

Defending the decision, Chief Minister Fadnavis said Bhujbal represents the voice of the OBC community and would strengthen the government's outreach.

Bhujbal, for his part, struck a reconciliatory tone. "All is well that ends well," he remarked after taking oath.