Maharashtra Appoints Bharat Gogawale and Girish Mahajan as Guardian Ministers

The Maharashtra government has appointed new guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik districts, issuing an official government order to resolve prolonged political disputes over the leadership of the two regions. Minister Bharat Gogawale has been named the guardian minister of Raigad, while Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan has taken charge of Nashik.

The appointment in Raigad concludes months of speculation regarding the post, which was previously held by Nationalist Congress Party leader and minister Aditi Tatkare. Reports had pointed to an ongoing tussle between Tatkare and Gogawale over the position. Speculation grew after Gogawale was assigned to hoist the national flag in Raigad district on Independence Day.

The political understanding over Raigad was reportedly reached after support was extended by the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction during the election of Tatkare's brother, Aniket Tatkare, to the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Gogawale had sought the guardianship of Raigad for several years, and the official notification fulfills that demand.

Gogawale currently serves as a minister in the Maharashtra government and is a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the Mahad Assembly constituency in Raigad district.

In Nashik, the state government assigned the guardianship to Girish Mahajan. Mahajan, who hails from Jalgaon district, serves as a Cabinet minister in the Mahayuti government. He is a six-time MLA representing the Jamner Assembly constituency in Jalgaon district.

The issuance of the government order formally settles the administrative leadership for both Raigad and Nashik districts.