Special Correspondent
Mumbai: The dissatisfaction of the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction has created trouble for NCP leader Aditi Tatkare and BJP leader Girish Mahajan. The appointment of guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik districts has been suspended following objections from within the ruling alliance. Late-night orders to this effect were issued, revealing growing rifts within the MahaYuti coalition.
The much-awaited announcement of guardian ministers was made late on the night of January 18. While several ministers were given additional responsibilities as co-guardian ministers, some key districts were left out. Notably, ministers from the Shinde faction, Dada Bhuse and Bharat Gogawale, were denied the posts, leading to discontent. Water Supply Minister Gulabrao Patil had already expressed his displeasure over this injustice to the two leaders during an event in Jalgaon. Following their clear expression of dissatisfaction, the General Administration Department (GAD) of the state government issued an order on January 19, suspending the appointments for Nashik and Raigad districts.
Bharat Gogawale, who had been lobbying for the Raigad guardian minister position, was reportedly backed by Shiv Sena and BJP MLAs from the district. They had advocated for his appointment, citing his familiarity with local issues. However, the post was instead assigned to Aditi Tatkare of the NCP, sparking outrage among Gogawale’s supporters. With Raigad’s assembly composition comprising three Shiv Sena, three BJP, and one NCP MLA, Gogawale’s supporters deemed this decision unfair. They staged protests, including blocking highway traffic, to voice their objections.
Similarly, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse had hoped to retain his position as Nashik’s guardian minister but was overlooked in favor of Jalgaon-based BJP leader Girish Mahajan. The allocation of the Nashik guardian minister post to Mahajan further fueled tensions within the alliance.
With rising public protests and open dissent from alliance members, the appointments for both Raigad and Nashik guardian ministers have now been put on hold.
