Just three months into the new Maharashtra government’s term, senior NCP leader and cabinet minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned following allegations linking his close aide to a high-profile murder case. His aide, Walmik Karad, is accused of being involved in the killing of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
This development has created a storm within the ruling Mahayuti alliance (Shiv Sena and NCP), forcing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step in and address the situation urgently.
Fadnavis Consults BJP Top Brass Over Ministers’ Conduct
On a recent two-day trip to New Delhi, Fadnavis discussed the situation with senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda.
A senior BJP leader told Hindustan Times, “The CM is of the opinion that action needs to be taken against the errant ministers to set an example. The controversies around these ministers have dented the image of the government, which the CM has conveyed to his two deputies. He is expected to hold a meeting with both early next week.”
However, the leader noted that any immediate action is unlikely, explaining, “It will give fodder to the opposition to rejoice and seek credit for action taken on them.”
Munde’s Exit Brings More Pressure on Government
The resignation of Dhananjay Munde, who was the food and civil supplies minister, sparked anger, particularly among the Maratha community, after images allegedly connecting him to Deshmukh’s murder surfaced online.
“Any further resignations will only deepen the embarrassment for the government, which has not even completed a year,” said the BJP leader.
To manage the fallout, the government is reportedly considering a reshuffle of ministerial portfolios. Ministers facing controversy may be given less significant roles in the coming weeks.
High-Level Meetings Within NCP Raise Questions
After meeting CM Fadnavis in Delhi on Thursday, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare travelled to Pune and met Ajit Pawar, the party’s national president, on Friday evening.
Although details of their conversation remain confidential, sources confirmed the meeting lasted for a long time.
A senior NCP leader said, “The state president had a meeting with the chief minister late on Thursday evening. He then met Ajit dada, which indicates something is going on. But whether the party wants to take any action against its minister is yet to be seen. Ultimately, it will be the party’s decision.”
Earlier, when asked about the potential resignation of another minister, Kokate, Ajit Pawar said in Pune, “It is the prerogative of the CM. I will meet the CM on Tuesday and discuss the matter with him.”
Possible Return for Munde if Cleared
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hinted on Friday that Dhananjay Munde might return to the cabinet if he is cleared of all allegations.
Munde recently received a clean chit from the Bombay High Court in a corruption case related to the purchase of agricultural equipment during his term as agriculture minister (until October 2024).
Pawar added, “We are looking into another case related to him in which a judicial probe is going on. If he gets a clean chit from it, he may be inducted back in the cabinet.”
