Ramtek’s ‘Curse’ Deters Chandrashekar Bawankule From Occupying Sea-Facing Bungalow
Mumbai, 26th December 2024: As the allocation of government bungalows to Maharashtra Cabinet ministers begins, the prestigious Ramtek bungalow in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill remains unclaimed. Despite its prime location and sea-facing luxury, the bungalow’s reputation for misfortune deters potential residents.
Known for its alleged curse, the property is infamous for controversies and career setbacks linked to its past occupants. Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP state chief Chandrashekar Bawankule assigned the bungalow, is reportedly hesitant to move in. Sources reveal that Bawankule is negotiating with Cabinet Minister Pankaja Munde for a possible exchange. Munde, unfazed by the superstition, shares an emotional bond with Ramtek, as her father, the late Gopinath Munde, had lived there during his tenure as Union Minister and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister.
The bungalow’s unlucky tag is reinforced by historical instances:
– Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP): As Deputy Chief Minister during the Congress-NCP government, Bhujbal’s name surfaced in the Telgi scam in 2003, prompting his resignation.
– Eknath Khadse (BJP): While serving as Agriculture Minister (2014–2016), Khadse faced corruption allegations, leading to his resignation.
– Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP): As Food and Civil Supplies Minister in 2019, Bhujbal saw the Maha Vikas Aghadi government collapse in just 2.5 years.
– Deepak Kesarkar (Shinde Sena): Despite the Mahayuti alliance’s electoral success, Kesarkar, a former Education Minister, did not secure a position in Devendra Fadnavis’s Cabinet.
The BJP-led Mahayuti government recently distributed portfolios, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retaining the Home Ministry, NCP leader Ajit Pawar taking Finance and Planning, and former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde overseeing Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works.
