Mumbai, Aug 17 (IANS) The long-pending issue of appointing Guardian Ministers for Raigad and Nashik has finally been resolved. The Maharashtra government on Monday announced the appointments for both districts. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan has been appointed Guardian Minister for Nashik, while Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale has been given the responsibility as Guardian Minister for Raigad.
Local leaders from all three constituent parties of the Mahayuti coalition aggressively pushed for dominance and control over development funds in their respective districts, leading to a temporary hold on these appointments.
The appointments were formally confirmed after approval from the Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, ending months of political tussle and factional disputes between alliance partners.
In Raigad, a tough tug-of-war took place between the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), with both Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare and Minister Bharat Gogawale staking claims. Ultimately, Bharat Gogawale secured the post.
Similarly, in Nashik, a three-way contest ensued among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), but the leadership maintained trust in Girish Mahajan.
Ahead of the official announcement, on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, Minister Mahajan hoisted the national flag in Nashik, and Minister Gogawale performed the honours in Raigad.
After his appointment, Minister Mahajan said Nashik would undergo a complete transformation. He explained that while offering prayers in Pandharpur, his wife softly whispered in his ear that he had been appointed Guardian Minister of Nashik.
He added that he had come to Pandharpur with his wife and 15,000 to 16,000 voters from his constituency, and hearing the news during darshan brought immense joy.
He assured that the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela would be grander than ever before and Nashik would undergo a complete transformation.
Minister Gogawale had recently told reporters that the government’s announcement on his appointment was merely a formality. He is a prominent Maharashtrian politician and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA representing the Mahad Assembly constituency. Elected three consecutive times since 2009, he is known across political circles as an aggressive and outspoken leader.
A senior BJP leader, Girish Mahajan is widely regarded as a troubleshooter within his party. He has served six consecutive terms as an MLA representing the Jamner Assembly constituency in Jalgaon district.
Currently a Cabinet Minister in the Mahayuti government, he has previously held key portfolios, including Water Resources and Medical Education. He serves as the Minister in charge of the Kumbh Mela alongside his new responsibility as Nashik’s Guardian Minister.
The positions remained unresolved because alliance partners disputed control of key district administration and development portfolios. Tensions arose when Shiv Sena leaders voiced strong dissatisfaction with earlier proposals, prompting the state leadership to freeze appointments for both districts temporarily.
With the latest announcement, the ruling alliance aims to restore administrative coordination and smooth governance across both regions.
–IANS
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