Maharashtra Govt Appoints Bharat Gogawale As Raigad Guardian Minister; Girish Mahajan Gets Nashik

The Maharashtra government has appointed Bharat Gogawale as the new Guardian Minister for Raigad, ending a long-standing political dispute over the district's guardianship. Minister Girish Mahajan has been given charge of Nashik. The decision comes after speculation arose following Gogawale's role in hoisting the national flag in Raigad on Independence Day, which led some to believe he could be appointed the district's guardian minister.

The guardianship of Raigad had previously been held by NCP leader and minister Aditi Tatkare, with reports suggesting a tussle between Tatkare and Gogawale over the post. The issue was reportedly resolved through a political understanding, with Gogawale given the Raigad guardianship amid support from the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction during the election of Tatkare’s brother.

Mahajan, who is from Jalgaon district and a Cabinet minister in the Mahayuti government, is serving his second term as a six-time MLA from the Jamner Assembly constituency. Gogawale, a four-time MLA from the Mahad Assembly constituency in Raigad district, is also a minister in the Maharashtra government.