KKN Gurugram Desk | On May 20, 2025, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The oath-taking ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, administered by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present at the event.

Bhujbal’s induction fills the vacancy left by Dhananjay Munde, who resigned in March following the arrest of his close aide in a criminal case. This move is seen as a strategic step by the Mahayuti alliance to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming civic elections, particularly by consolidating support among the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, where Bhujbal holds significant influence.

A veteran politician with a career spanning several decades, Bhujbal has previously served in various key ministerial roles, including Deputy Chief Minister. His return to the cabinet underscores the alliance’s focus on experienced leadership and social representation.

As of now, the specific portfolio assigned to Bhujbal has not been announced. His inclusion is expected to bolster the government’s outreach and administrative capabilities