Chhagan Bhujbal Joins as Minister, Dhananjay Munde Upset?

In a significant political development, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal took oath as a minister during a swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan yesterday. Bhujbal, who had been vocal about his discontent over being sidelined in the past few weeks, finally secured a cabinet berth.

Following his induction into the Maharashtra cabinet, reports have surfaced suggesting unease within the ranks of the ruling alliance. Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and cabinet minister Dhananjay Munde are said to have visited the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha, to meet with Devendra Fadnavis.

Sources indicate that Dhananjay Munde may be displeased with Bhujbal’s inclusion in the cabinet. The meeting between Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Munde has fueled speculation of a possible rift within the coalition, although no official statement has been issued by any of the parties involved.

The political undercurrents surrounding Bhujbal’s appointment suggest deeper negotiations and power dynamics at play within the MahaYuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.