Chhagan Bhujbal Heads to Rajya Sabha, Sameer Bhujbal Eyes Cabinet Seat

Maharashtra’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is moving to send senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal to the Rajya Sabha, filling a seat left vacant when deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar resigned. NCP leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 6 to finalize the decision. Bhujbal has requested that his nephew Sameer Bhujbal take his state cabinet position if he moves to Delhi. This marks a significant power shift in Maharashtra politics.

Why the Rajya Sabha Seat Opened

Sunetra Pawar, the NCP’s national president, resigned from the Rajya Sabha when she became deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. This left one seat vacant in the party’s quota. Chhagan Bhujbal emerged as the strongest candidate for the position almost immediately after the vacancy opened.

NCP Leaders Meet Fadnavis to Confirm Plan

On June 6, NCP leaders including MP Parth Pawar, state president Sunil Tatkare, senior leader Prafulla Patel, and Bhujbal himself visited Chief Minister Fadnavis at his official residence. After meeting with Fadnavis, the group moved to Bhujbal’s residence for further discussions. This sequence of meetings signals that the party has reached consensus on Bhujbal’s candidacy.

Sameer Bhujbal Positioned for Cabinet Role

Chhagan Bhujbal has requested that his nephew Sameer Bhujbal inherit his ministerial position and assembly seat if he moves to the Rajya Sabha. NCP leaders discussed this proposal with Fadnavis during Saturday’s meeting. Sameer Bhujbal, a former MP, could receive a cabinet portfolio or other significant political responsibility in the state government.

What This Means for Maharashtra Politics

The move reflects efforts by the NCP to maintain its political influence in Maharashtra while sending a senior leader to the national legislature. By keeping the ministerial position within the Bhujbal family, the party aims to preserve its organizational strength in the state. The decision also shows coordination between the NCP and the ruling coalition led by Fadnavis.

Final Thoughts

Chhagan Bhujbal is set to become the NCP’s Rajya Sabha candidate, with his nephew Sameer Bhujbal positioned to take his cabinet seat. This arrangement keeps the party’s political power intact while elevating Bhujbal to the national legislature.

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