Chhagan Bhujbal
Cabinet Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Maharashtra
🌍 Indian · Born October 15, 1947
About
Chhagan Bhujbal is a prominent Indian politician from Maharashtra who currently serves as the Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection. Over his multi-decade career, Bhujbal has established himself as one of the most influential Other Backward Class (OBC) leaders in the state. He began his political journey in the 1970s with the Shiv Sena, serving twice as the Mayor of Mumbai. In a dramatic shift in 1991, he left the Shiv Sena to join the Indian National Congress, and later aligned with Sharad Pawar to become a founding member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999. Bhujbal has served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and held major portfolios including Public Works and Home Affairs. In 2023, he joined the breakaway Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, swearing in as a minister in the ruling Mahayuti coalition government.
Intelligence Summary
Mayor of Bombay
Elected as the Mayor of Mumbai (then Bombay) representing the Shiv Sena, rising to state-level prominence.
Left Shiv Sena for Congress
Staged a major political rebellion by leaving the Shiv Sena along with 17 MLAs to join the Indian National Congress.
Co-Founded NCP & Became Deputy CM
Joined Sharad Pawar in founding the Nationalist Congress Party and was subsequently appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Arrest by Enforcement Directorate
Arrested in connection with money laundering investigations related to the Maharashtra Sadan construction scam.
Released on Bail
Granted bail by the Bombay High Court after spending more than two years in jail, resuming active politics.
Joined Ajit Pawar Faction
Joined the breakaway faction of the NCP led by Ajit Pawar and was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government.
No connections found.
All data sourced from verified public references.
Who is Chhagan Bhujbal, the veteran OBC leader who joined Maharashtra cabinet
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/chhagan-bhujbal-obc-leader-ajit-pawar-ncp-maharashtra-cabinet-8697364/ →