Chhagan Bhujbal Leads Race for NCP's Rajya Sabha Nomination in Maharashtra
Suspense prevails over NCP’s Rajya Sabha nominee; Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal emerges as frontrunner

Image: Deccan Herald
Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra's food minister, is the leading candidate for the NCP's Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Sunetra Pawar. NCP leaders are in discussions with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis, while Bhujbal seeks to include his nephew in the state Cabinet.
- 01Chhagan Bhujbal is a senior OBC leader and Maharashtra's food minister.
- 02Sunetra Pawar vacated the Rajya Sabha seat after becoming deputy chief minister and NCP president.
- 03Bhujbal is pushing for his nephew Sameer Bhujbal's induction into the state Cabinet.
- 04Dilip Walse-Patil is another potential candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat.
- 05BJP's Navneet Rana has expressed interest in the seat but NCP insists it belongs to their quota.
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In Maharashtra, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is deliberating on its nominee for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Sunetra Pawar, who has taken on roles as deputy chief minister and NCP president. Chhagan Bhujbal, the state's food, civil supplies, and consumer protection minister, has emerged as the leading candidate. Recent discussions among NCP leaders, including Sunetra Pawar and her sons, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP, have been ongoing. Bhujbal, a veteran OBC leader and MLA from Yeola, is reportedly advocating for his nephew, Sameer Bhujbal, to be included in the state Cabinet. Meanwhile, another name in consideration is Dilip Walse-Patil, a former minister. BJP's Navneet Rana, a former Independent MP, has also shown interest in the Rajya Sabha position, having previously been part of the NCP. However, the NCP leadership has clarified that the seat is designated for their party.
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The nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat will influence the political dynamics within Maharashtra, particularly between the NCP and BJP.
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