Bhujbal (77), a notable OBC leader, was sworn into the Fadnavis cabinet on Tuesday (May 20), marking his return to the Mahayuti 2.0 government after being overlooked for a ministerial role following the BJP-led coalition’s landslide victory in the November 2024 assembly elections.
The Fadnavis ministry first expanded in December last year, followed by a second expansion on May 20 when the NCP leader took oath.
When asked about speculations that the CM, a BJP member, was instrumental in his induction amidst some opposition within the NCP, Bhujbal affirmed, “It is true. During the first cabinet expansion, Fadnavis saheb had also pushed for my inclusion in the ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made similar efforts. Unfortunately, it did not materialize at that time.” He spoke to reporters at the Nagpur airport.
In response to a query, Bhujbal remarked that some individuals make comments without justification, stating, “But I need to clarify that I am not a minister of the BJP, but of the NCP. The NCP will determine who will be made a minister, while the CM simply provides suggestions.” The Mahayuti consists of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
Regarding Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange’s announcement of renewed agitation in August for his demands, the cabinet minister responded, “We are also ready,” without further details. Bhujbal has consistently resisted Jarange’s demand to include the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for reservations in education and government jobs.
The seasoned politician expressed that he does not wish to engage in discussions about who will become the guardian minister for Nashik district, his political base.
Bhujbal has served multiple terms as an MLA from Yeola in Nashik district in north Maharashtra.
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