Bhujbal Reclaims Food & Civil Supplies Amid Maharashtra Reshuffle
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Chhagan Bhujbal has been allocated the Food and Civil Supplies Department following his recent cabinet induction. The department was previously managed by Dhananjay Munde, who stepped down after being linked to the Santosh Deshmukh murder investigation. Political circles had anticipated Bhujbal’s return to this role, which was officially confirmed through a government notification released on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the assignment, the senior NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) politician reflected on his extensive political career. “My cabinet tenure has seen multiple entries and exits – around nine to ten times. I’ve assumed departmental responsibilities and relinquished them with equal frequency,” Bhujbal stated. He expressed contentment with the recent appointment, noting this marks his third stint with the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio across different political arrangements.
“This department came to me while serving under Sharad Pawar, returned during the Maha Vikas Aghadi administration, and now resurfaces after my transition to the Mahayuti coalition, despite initially being excluded from the ministerial lineup,” he explained.
Responding to detractors questioning his political loyalties, Bhujbal emphasized his party affiliation. “Critics should understand I represent Ajit Pawar’s NCP, not the BJP. My cabinet inclusion depends on NCP decisions, which the chief minister subsequently executes,” he clarified. He disclosed that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had advocated for his cabinet inclusion during government formation discussions.
“Beyond him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened in Delhi to support my ministerial appointment. However, the party opted differently then, preventing my induction,” Bhujbal revealed.
Political analysts view Bhujbal’s cabinet return through the lens of impending local body elections, mandated by the Supreme Court within four months. His initial exclusion had prompted public dissatisfaction and critical statements against Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Subsequent meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly yielded assurances about future opportunities. With local polls approaching, observers interpret Bhujbal’s reinstatement as strategic positioning to secure Other Backward Classes (OBC) support for the ruling coalition.
Government sources indicate concerns about alienating the OBC demographic, positioning Bhujbal’s inclusion as essential for maintaining Mahayuti’s social and electoral equilibrium.
Opposition parties have responded critically to Bhujbal’s cabinet comeback, reviving historical corruption accusations and citing previous statements by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to challenge both the BJP and Bhujbal. They questioned the reinstatement of a leader previously associated with graft allegations to a significant portfolio.
Addressing these criticisms, Bhujbal maintained that his corruption case concluded before his current alliance participation. “The court ruling occurred during my Maha Vikas Aghadi tenure under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, not during my BJP association,” he stated. “An extensive 80-page judgment was issued, closing the case and declaring myself and co-accused individuals innocent,” he concluded, characterizing the allegations as politically driven.