Mumbai, May 20 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded his five-month-old cabinet on Tuesday by inducting senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal as a minister, taking the total strength of the state cabinet to 39.
With this latest addition, the cabinet now comprises 19 ministers from the BJP, 11 from Shiv Sena, and 9 from the NCP.
The 77-year-old Bhujbal was administered the oath of office by Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, along with other senior leaders. Speaking at the ceremony, Bhujbal said, “All’s well that ends well,” and noted that he had no particular expectations regarding his portfolio.
Bhujbal's inclusion comes after a period of political speculation, as he was notably absent during the cabinet expansion in December 2024. The omission had sparked public disappointment, especially considering his stature as a veteran leader and a key OBC representative in the state.
His induction follows the resignation of fellow NCP leader Dhananjay Munde in March. Munde, who served as the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, stepped down following the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in connection with the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case.
However, Bhujbal’s appointment has ignited controversy amid the ongoing Maratha reservation debate.
Reacting to the development, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange criticized Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for promoting a leader known for his opposition to Maratha quotas. “Ajit Pawar must realise the implications of promoting those who have spread casteism and vehemently opposed Maratha reservation,” Jarange said while addressing the media in Antarwali Sarathi village.
Jarange, who has been advocating for Maratha inclusion under the OBC category, alleged that Bhujbal's induction is merely a temporary political tactic ahead of upcoming local body elections. He further accused Chief Minister Fadnavis of marginalising key Maratha figures within the state’s political landscape.
Bhujbal has previously been vocal in his opposition to Jarange’s reservation demands, frequently criticising the push to include Marathas under the OBC quota.
As the political climate heats up ahead of elections, Bhujbal’s return to the cabinet is likely to remain a focal point of contention between the state government and pro-reservation activists.