Mumbai: Amid mounting discontent in Nashik and Raigad, the Maharashtra Government has temporarily stalled the appointment of Guardian Ministers for these districts. The decision follows widespread protests and growing anger among Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) supporters, who demanded an equitable and transparent process for these crucial ministerial roles.
The controversy erupted when the government announced NCP leader and Cabinet Minister Aditi Tatkare as Guardian Minister of Raigad, while senior BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan was appointed for Nashik. Supporters of Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde faction were enraged, as they had anticipated Bharat Gogawale to secure the Raigad post and senior Shiv Sena leader and Cabinet Minister Dada Bhuse to be appointed for Nashik.
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Saturday 22 Feb. 2025
Local Shiv Sena supporters argued that the appointments overlooked regional representation and failed to prioritise local issues. Protests intensified, with demonstrators calling for a more inclusive and consultative approach. Responding to the public outcry, the state government convened an urgent meeting and decided to defer the appointments pending further discussions with stakeholders.
One of the key grievances driving the unrest was the perceived sidelining of local leaders and institutions in favor of political appointees. Critics warned that such decisions alienate communities and undermine democratic values. Leaders from both Nashik and Raigad urged the government to reconsider, emphasising that prolonged public resentment could harm governance and derail development efforts in the regions.
The protests reached a boiling point in Raigad, where demonstrators burned effigies and blocked roads, leading to hours of disruption. In Nashik, rallies and protests organised by political activists and locals echoed similar frustrations. The escalating tensions prompted authorities to deploy additional security to maintain law and order.
Amid the unrest, the resignation of Prakash Desai, a prominent leader from Raigad, added fuel to the fire. His departure sparked speculation of internal divisions within the ruling alliance. Meanwhile, opposition leaders seized the opportunity to criticise the government for its failure to engage meaningfully with local communities. They cautioned that further delays in resolving the issue could erode public trust in the administration.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum to attract investments in the State, had to intervene, and the General Administration Department, which is under him, issued an order to stay the appointments for the two districts until further orders.
District Guardian Ministers are responsible for distributing funds for various developmental works in their areas. According to political observers, such control over fund distribution is also used to corner the political opponents in districts.
