Chhagan Bhujbal gets charge of Maharashtra food and civil supplies department

NAGPUR: Newly inducted Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal has been given food and civil supplies portfolio. Bhujbal Friday said CM Fadnavis made serious efforts to include him in Mahayuti govt during its first cabinet expansion last Dec, reports Vaibhav Ganjapure. "Fadnavis was very keen on my induction in the first expansion. Not just him, PM Modi and Union minister Amit Shah also tried. But the party decided otherwise," he said. The 77-year-old NCP member, who represents Yeola, was sworn in during the second expansion on May 21. His return to the cabinet triggered political speculation about internal rifts amid reports of opposition within his own party.

Clarifying, Bhujbal said, "I belong to Ajit Pawar's NCP. Party decides who becomes a minister. The CM only issues administrative directions."