2 weeks ago
Maharashtra ends standoff over Raigad, Nashik guardian ministers
In Maharashtra, a big group of political parties called the Mahayuti decides who will look after each district.
These people are called guardian ministers.
For a long time, the parties could not agree on who should look after two districts, Raigad and Nashik.
They argued for almost two years.
Finally, they made a deal.
The Shiv Sena party got the job for Raigad, and the BJP party got the job for Nashik.
The NCP party, which wanted Raigad, got a different job instead — a seat in the state's Legislative Council.
The leader of the state, Devendra Fadnavis, had paused the decision in January 2025.
Now the argument is over, and the new guardian ministers can start working.
Shiv Sena's Bharat Gogawale has been appointed guardian minister for Raigad district.
BJP's Girish Mahajan has been appointed guardian minister for Nashik district.
The appointments end a nearly two-year tug-of-war among Mahayuti allies over the two districts.
NCP's Aditi Tatkare, who had been looking after Raigad, lost the post; the deadlock was resolved when Aniket Tatkare was chosen for a Maharashtra Legislative Council seat.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had put the appointments on hold in January 2025, with Mahajan and Tatkare serving as caretakers since.
- Who
- Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and BJP leader Girish Mahajan, appointed guardian ministers; NCP leaders Aditi Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal were among those involved in the dispute, with Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and the NCP faction (led by Ajit Pawar) competing for Raigad.
- What
- Guardian ministers were appointed for Maharashtra's Raigad and Nashik districts, ending a nearly two-year dispute within the Mahayuti alliance.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India — specifically the Raigad and Nashik districts.
- When
- Announced after a nearly two-year dispute; the posts had been on hold since January 2025.
- Why
- To resolve the long-pending tug-of-war among Mahayuti parties (NCP, Shiv Sena, BJP) over the guardian ministerships.
NCP's position
Shiv Sena/BJP position
Raigad guardian ministership
NCP's position
NCP argued Aditi Tatkare, who was looking after Raigad, should keep the post; the party claimed Raigad.
Shiv Sena/BJP position
Shiv Sena insisted on the Raigad post, and its MLA Bharat Gogawale was ultimately appointed.
Nashik guardian ministership
NCP's position
NCP's Chhagan Bhujbal argued the party had a stronger claim to Nashik because it had at least seven MLAs there.
Shiv Sena/BJP position
BJP's Girish Mahajan was appointed guardian minister for Nashik.
Resolution of the deadlock
NCP's position
NCP leaders said the party got the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) seat as part of the adjustments.
Shiv Sena/BJP position
Shiv Sena got the guardian ministership of Raigad, which it had been demanding.
Key facts
- Guardian minister for Raigad
- Bharat Gogawale (Shiv Sena)
- Guardian minister for Nashik
- Girish Mahajan (BJP)
- Dispute duration
- Nearly two years
- Posts put on hold
- January 2025 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
- Previous caretaker for Raigad
- Aditi Tatkare (NCP)
- NCP's compensation
- Aniket Tatkare chosen for Maharashtra Legislative Council seat from Raigad-Ratnagiri
- Alliance
- Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP)
- Nashik claim
- NCP's Chhagan Bhujbal cited at least seven NCP MLAs in Nashik
Quotes
Girish Mahajan
BJP cabinet minister and newly appointed Nashik guardian minister
“"But according to the adjustments, we got the Vidhan Parishad seat and Shiv Sena got the guardian ministership."”
theprint.in
“"Now this year's Mahakumbh will be one like never before and Nashik will undergo a major transformation."”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Related news
Girish Mahajan Welcomed in Jalgaon After Nashik Appointment
Maharashtra Issues Independence Day Flag-Hoisting List for 36 Districts
Maharashtra BJP Moves to Keep Mahayuti Allies United
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Meets CM Fadnavis, Sparks Political Speculation
Fadnavis Warns Mahayuti Leaders Against Infighting and Public Criticism
Mahayuti Partners Agree Power Sharing, Joint Local Poll Contest
Maharashtra Land Bank Aims to Speed Infrastructure Projects
Maharashtra CM Signals Hinjawadi Transfer To PCMC Soon
Anna Hazare Improves, to Stay in Mumbai Hospital Two Days
BJP MLA Seeks Probe Into Alleged BMC Transfer Racket
Mumbai Ganpati Mandals Prepare Amid Debate Over DJs
