Early Life and Education
Chhagan Bhujbal was born on October 15, 1947, in Nashik, Maharashtra. He belongs to the Mali caste, a community traditionally involved in agriculture, which later influenced his political ideologies focused on the upliftment of backward classes. Bhujbal pursued his education in Nashik, laying the foundation for a career that would see him become one of Maharashtra’s most influential politicians.
Political Career
Bhujbal began his political journey with the Shiv Sena, where he was known for his strong oratory skills and grassroots connections. However, due to ideological differences, particularly on issues related to caste, he left the Shiv Sena in 1991 and joined the Indian National Congress (INC). This move marked a significant shift in his career, eventually leading him to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics. Later, when Sharad Pawar formed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, Bhujbal followed him and has remained a senior leader in the NCP since then.
He has held several key ministerial positions in Maharashtra, including Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Public Works, and Minister of Home Affairs. Bhujbal has also served as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where he played a critical role in challenging the ruling party’s policies. Currently he is Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Maharashtra.
Major Achievements
Bhujbal’s tenure as a minister has been marked by significant contributions to infrastructure development in Maharashtra, particularly in the Public Works Department. He was instrumental in the construction of key infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which has been a game-changer in reducing travel time and boosting economic activities between the two cities.
He has also been a strong advocate for social justice and has implemented various schemes aimed at uplifting the backward classes in Maharashtra. His work in promoting education and reservation for OBCs has been particularly notable.
On June 22, Minister Chhagan Bhujbal emphasized the need for separate reservations for both OBCs and Marathas, clarifying that this demand is not against the Maratha community. He urged for peaceful discussions on the matter and highlighted that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has committed to taking action against those who have falsely obtained OBC certificates. Bhujbal also mentioned that all political parties will come together to make decisions on this issue, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for a caste-based census. (EconomicTimes)
Chhagan Bhujbal, a leader in the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP and a minister in Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde-led government, has strongly opposed the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category. He criticized the government’s decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, enabling them to access OBC quota benefits. Bhujbal also confronted Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is leading a march to Mumbai to demand Marathas be classified as Kunbis. This move is controversial, as Marathas and Kunbis together represent 31.5% of Maharashtra’s population, and their inclusion in the OBC category could potentially reduce benefits for existing OBC communities. (IndiaToday)
Key Political Initiatives
Bhujbal has consistently focused on infrastructure and social justice throughout his career. He played a pivotal role in the development of Maharashtra’s road network, which has contributed to the state’s economic growth. Additionally, his initiatives in the education sector, especially for the backward classes, have helped improve access to education for underprivileged communities.
The ‘OBC Reservation Rescue Mahaelgar Melawa’ held in Sangli saw a large gathering advocating for OBC rights and reservations. Speakers emphasized the need for unity among the OBC community to protect their rights and called for a clear stance from all political parties on the reservation issue. They stressed that while they do not oppose Maratha reservations, it should not come at the expense of OBCs. The event highlighted the importance of conducting a proper census to resolve reservation disputes and criticized the Banthia Commission’s survey.
Contributions
A grand employment fair was organized today for the youth of Yevala and Lasalgaon by Chhagan Bhujbal, providing a significant boost to local employment opportunities. The event featured stalls from 24 well-known companies, including Mahindra, Bosch, Bajaj Sons, and Hitachi Astimo Brake Systems, among others. Over 3,000 job opportunities were offered to candidates with diverse educational qualifications. The fair also included appointment letter distributions to selected candidates and received an enthusiastic response from the participating youth.
During the ‘Janasanman Yatra,’ Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar promised to address the concerns of machine owners. As a result, the state cabinet has made an important decision to relax the registration requirement for additional electricity tariff concessions. Now, looms with more than 27 horsepower but less than 201 horsepower will receive a concession of 75 paise per unit, while looms with less than 27 horsepower will get a 1 rupee per unit concession. This decision has been welcomed by handloom owners and textile industry associations across the state.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life
Bhujbal’s personal life has been intertwined with his political career. His son, Pankaj Bhujbal, is also active in politics, following in his father’s footsteps. Despite facing several controversies and legal challenges, including allegations of corruption, Bhujbal has maintained his influence in Maharashtra politics
Promises and Future Commitments
Inauguration of the weavers survey in Yevala city was held, marking the launch of this significant initiative. Chhagan Bhujbal attended the event, interacting with weavers and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that no one is left out of the survey. The survey, which began on August 8, aims to register weavers who lack government identity cards, enabling them to access various benefits such as festival allowances, free electricity, and discounts on silk purchases. So far, 3,000 weavers from 30-40 villages have been registered. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has provided financial benefits to 53,000 women in the Yevala constituency, with many expressing their gratitude at the event.
A fund of ₹3.6 million has been allocated for the repair of 29 dams in the Yevala constituency. Key embankments in Yevala taluka, including Mukhed, Katrani, Kharwandi, and others, will undergo repairs. Notable projects include the Mukhed Co.P embankment (₹24.8 lakh), Chandgaon storage tank (₹25 lakh), and several cement concrete embankments in Katrani, Kharwandi, and Jayadere Tribhuvan Vasti, each receiving close to ₹10 lakh. This initiative aims to strengthen water management infrastructure in the region.
A budget of ₹6.7 crore has been approved for the development and repair of 35 roads in rural areas of the Yewla constituency. Key projects include the Yevla Court to Nandur Nagarsul Saigaon road, which received ₹60 lakh, and multiple roads such as the State Highway 25 to Kolgaon Vaibothi Agwan Vasti road, each receiving ₹70 lakh. Smaller allocations of ₹35 lakh and ₹10 lakh were made for various other rural roads, ensuring improved connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
A grand Shiva Srishti project, inspired by the concept of Swarajya by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is nearing completion in Yevla city. Regular visits and reviews of the project’s progress are being conducted. This cultural heritage initiative is significant for the Yewla Constituency, as it will serve as a historical testament. The project holds deep personal importance.
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