{
  "id": 1252474,
  "title": "Booklet calls Girish Mahajan ‘Kumbh Mela minister’, revives Nashik row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/booklet-calls-girish-mahajan-kumbh-mela-minister-revives-nashik-row",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T10:45:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/nashik-guardian-minister-row-girish-mahajan-named-kumbh-minister-10835750/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent booklet has reignited a long-standing dispute over Nashik's appointed guardian minister, once again pitting the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP against each other. Describing BJP leader Girish Mahajan as the \"Guardian and Kumbh Mela Minister\" of the Maharashtra district, the booklet has sparked renewed debate, even though the ruling Sena continues to oppose Mahajan's appointment and supports Dada Bhuse for the position. Despite no government order being issued since his earlier appointment was overturned in January 2025, preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela have gathered momentum in the district. The competing claims of the coalition partners have once again taken center stage. Mahajan, who was appointed on January 18, 2025, is currently overseeing Kumbh-related events and holds key portfolios, including water resources and disaster management. The NCP, however, has lodged its claim through senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who represents the Yeola constituency. The dispute first surfaced in January 2025 when Sena leader Ajit Shinde insisted on resolving the matter through discussions, but no fresh appointment followed. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to distance the Kumbh preparations from the guardian minister controversy, stating that Mahajan, Bhuse, Bhujbal, and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal were all involved in the event's preparations.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "BJP leader Girish Mahajan called 'Guardian and Kumbh Mela Minister' of Nashik.",
    "Shiv Sena opposes Mahajan's appointment, supports Dada Bhuse.",
    "NCP claims Girish Mahajan's position through Chhagan Bhujbal."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}