Nashik: Girish Mahajan Appointed Guardian Minister, Two-Year Deadlock Ends

Nashik has finally settled the nearly two-year-long deadlock over the appointment of its Guardian Minister. As anticipated, Water Resources and Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan will continue to hold the post. Former Guardian Ministers Chhagan Bhujbal from the NCP and Dadaji Bhuse from the Shiv Sena were also interested in the position.

However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' decision to support Mahajan signals the BJP's dominance within the Mahayuti alliance. Following the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Fadnavis-led government assumed power, but a fierce rivalry persisted over the Guardian Minister posts in Nashik and Raigad districts. All three Mahayuti partners were eager to maintain influence over the districts, especially concerning development funds and administrative control.

In Nashik, the NCP initially claimed the strongest position, as it held the most MLAs from the district. The BJP, with five MLAs, was also pushing for the role. The deadlock persisted for nearly two years, with both former Guardian Ministers seeking the support of the leadership. Ultimately, the Chief Minister opted to keep Girish Mahajan, who has been instrumental in the preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

Sunil Kedar, BJP Nashik Metropolitan District President, welcomed Mahajan's appointment as Nashik's Guardian Minister. He highlighted Mahajan's previous role during the last Kumbh Mela and his dedication as a volunteer for the event. Kedar expressed confidence that the upcoming Kumbh Mela would be successfully and grandly organized with the cooperation of Nashik's citizens, and assured that all stakeholders would be consulted in the preparations.

Chief Minister Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers had allocated over ₹35,000 crore for the Kumbh Mela, Ramkal Path, and other development projects, with additional funds available if needed.