Chhagan Bhujbal’s Resurrection and the Art of Political Pragmatism

The prominent OBC leader’s ‘comeback’ reveals the ruling Mahayuti’s caste calculus, political compulsions and a quiet retreat from past anti-corruption claims.

In a significant political development, veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal was recently inducted into the Maharashtra state cabinet led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The move has triggered sharp political reactions and intense speculation about its underlying motivations ahead of crucial local body polls.

At the heart of the decision lie two key equations: the OBC vote bank and the handling of the politically sensitive Maratha reservation issue. By re-inducting Bhujbal, who is one of Maharashtra’s most influential OBC leaders, the BJP-Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde)-NCP (led by Ajit Pawar) coalition seeks to strengthen its backward class credentials and manage growing tensions between Maratha and OBC communities.

Bhujbal’s career is a testimony to political longevity and survival. From his early days as a fiery Shiv Sainik and Mayor of Mumbai, to joining the Congress and later becoming a founding member of the NCP, Bhujbal has been at the raging centre of Maharashtra’s political theatre for over four decades.

He has served as Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister, Public Works Minister and held various influential positions.

However, his trajectory was disrupted by serious corruption charges in the 2010s, primarily linked to the Maharashtra Sadan scam. Bhujbal spent over two years in jail under charges filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). At the time, the BJP, then in opposition and later in government, took a stern stance, projecting the case as a symbol of its crusade against corruption.

Today, Bhujbal’s return to substantial power under a BJP-led government has led to charges of hypocrisy and political opportunism. The opposition Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena have accused the BJP of abandoning its moral high ground. “The BJP once declared Bhujbal corrupt. Today, they call him the voice of the OBCs,” said a Congress MLA, calling it a classic case of political convenience.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has defended Bhujbal’s induction as a practical decision, stating that Bhujbal is an “important voice of the OBCs” and commands influence in several parts of Maharashtra. Insiders in the BJP admit that the party’s decision was shaped by multiple considerations.

Firstly, the OBC voter base in Maharashtra is significant - over 35 percent of the population according to various estimates. Bhujbal, a prominent Yadav leader from Nashik district, has consistently mobilized OBC sentiment and built his political career on the plank of social justice and backward class empowerment.

His strong opposition to including Marathas under the OBC quota, particularly during the height of the Maratha quota agitation led by aggressive reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, has found resonance with many OBC groups who feel their reservation benefits are under threat.

Secondly, the ruling alliance is under pressure due to the rise in Maratha agitation and the state’s balancing act on reservation. The Maratha community’s demand for inclusion under the OBC category has led to social tensions, and OBC leaders across parties have opposed the move.

In a bid to counter the Maratha agitation and reinforce its OBC credentials, the Mahayuti government has inducted Chhagan Bhujbal into the cabinet. As a vocal critic of ‘reservation dilution,’ Bhujbal’s elevation signals a firm stance on due process. For Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the move is also a salve for internal dissent within his breakaway NCP faction. Long sidelined, Bhujbal’s return rewards loyalty and aims to shore up support ahead of key local polls. With influence in Nashik, Marathwada and Vidarbha, his presence adds both electoral muscle and caste balance to an alliance often seen as Maratha-dominated.

The most pointed criticism has come from the opposition benches, which have accused the BJP of doing a complete U-turn on corruption. From launching investigations against Bhujbal during its first term to now embracing him as a minister, the BJP has been accused of abandoning its anti-corruption plank. Political analysts say this is not the first time a party has chosen practicality over principle.

What makes Bhujbal’s case particularly combative is the timing. With castetensions rising, and the state facing multiple political fronts - including Raj Thackeray’s possible resurgence and the Congress’s attempt to regain lost ground - the Mahayuti cannot afford a split in its social coalition. Bhujbal is seen as a political glue who can keep OBC leaders on board, at least for now.

While Bhujbal has been politically rehabilitated, his role in the cabinet will be closely watched. Will he get a portfolio that allows him to influence reservation policy? How will he navigate the growing resentment among Marathas? Can he help the Mahayuti win back some of the backward class votes lost to smaller caste-based parties?

Bhujbal himself appears keen to play a constructive role. Speaking to reporters after taking oath, he reiterated his commitment to “constitutional principles” and “justice for the backward classes.” He also sought to position himself as a unifying figure, urging restraint in public discourse over reservation.

As Maharashtra heads into a politically charged season, Chhagan Bhujbal’s presence in the cabinet could act as both a catalyst and a buffer. Whether his inclusion helps resolve tensions or deepens fault lines depends on how the Fadnavis-led government handles the reservation issue, power-sharing within the Mahayuti, and public perceptions around governance and credibility.