Chhagan Bhujbal, a senior NCP leader, was sworn in as a cabinet minister in Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government, replacing Dhananjay Munde. Governor C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath in the presence of key political figures.

MUMBAI: Senior NCP leader and OBC stalwart Chhagan Bhujbal was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government on Tuesday morning at Raj Bhavan. He replaces NCP’s Dhananjay Munde, who had resigned in March over allegations involving his aide in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.Governor C P Radhakrishnan, CM Devendra Fadnavis, and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present at Raj Bhavan during the oath ceremony.Dy CM Eknath Shinde congratulating Chhagan Bhujbal on being inducted in the cabinet said the govt would benefit from his experience.Chhagan Bhujbal speaking to the media before the swearing in said,“ All is well that ends well.” His induction comes at a politically crucial time, with civic elections around the corner. A veteran OBC face, Bhujbal is seen as a strategic asset for Mahayuti and NCP, particularly after securing a key win in the Supreme Court for OBC electoral reservation through a petition filed under the Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad. The apex court upheld OBC reservations in local body elections, strengthening his influence in the community. Bhujbal was reportedly kept out of the cabinet earlier due to internal differences, particularly over his demand for a council seat for his son Pankaj. The NCP later accommodated Pankaj through the governor’s quota, as he couldn’t contest from the Nandgaon assembly seat—now held by the Shiv Sena. Ajit Pawar was initially not in favour, but relented after discussions.Sources say Bhujbal’s re-entry into the cabinet is likely to boost NCP’s electoral prospects in the coming months.