Chhagan Bhujbal sworn in as minister in Maharashtra Cabinet

Chhagan Bhujbal sworn in as minister in Maharashtra Cabinet

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal took oath as a minister in the Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday morning at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, who administered the oath to Bhujbal. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with several prominent ministers from the Mahayuti government, were also present.

Speaking about Bhujbal’s induction, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde highlighted his prior experience as a minister and expressed confidence that Bhujbal’s extensive political experience would prove beneficial for the state. He added that Chief Minister Fadnavis would determine Bhujbal’s portfolio. Shinde also noted that Bhujbal had started his political journey with the Shiv Sena, where he had been a dedicated Shiv Sainik under the leadership of Bal Thackeray.

“Chhagan Bhujbal has previously served as a minister, leading various departments. His experience will undoubtedly benefit the Maharashtra government. He has held several important positions, from corporator to mayor, and has been an MLA and a minister. His extensive experience will be an asset to the government,” Shinde told ANI.

Earlier, Maharashtra Minister and State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule welcomed Bhujbal’s inclusion in the state cabinet, saying that the appointment would strengthen the government. “Chhagan Bhujbal is a prominent OBC leader, and his presence in the cabinet will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Maharashtra,’” Bawankule said.

Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, has previously held key positions in various Maharashtra governments. Notably, he served as the fifth Deputy Chief Minister of the state from 1999 to 2003.