Girish Mahajan Named Nashik Guardian Minister, Bharat Gogawale Gets Raigad

MUMBAI — Ending a one-and-a-half-year tussle over district administration roles, the Maharashtra state government has appointed Bharatiya Janata Party leader Girish Mahajan as the Guardian Minister of Nashik and Shiv Sena leader Bharat Gogawale as the Guardian Minister of Raigad.

The official appointments resolve a prolonged dispute within the ruling alliance but represent a setback for the Nationalist Congress Party. The NCP had staked claim to both posts, pushing for senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal in Nashik and Aditi Tatkare in Raigad. The Tatkare family had made the Raigad post a matter of prestige, but the claim was ultimately set aside.

Shiv Sena minister Dada Bhuse had also actively lobbied to secure the Nashik guardian minister post, but he was passed over in favor of Mahajan. Shiv Sena was instead accommodated with the Raigad appointment, leaving the NCP without representation in either of the two contested districts.

Mahajan's appointment to Nashik is considered particularly significant ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela scheduled in the district later this year. In his role as guardian minister, Mahajan will oversee all planning and development initiatives related to the major event. The state government has planned an expenditure of over Rs 22,000 crore for Kumbh-related infrastructure and development projects.

Guardian ministers wield substantial authority over local administration, holding control over District Planning and Development Council funds that finance local development and beautification projects. In addition to guiding district expenditures, guardian ministers are tasked with presiding over official state events, including Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.