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Nashik, Raigad to get guardian ministers soonMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies want to settle the issue before the commencement of the monsoon season of the State Legislature.
Mrityunjay Bose
Last Updated IST
<div class="paragraphs"><p>CM Devendra Fadnavis. </p></div>

CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Credit: PTI file photo

Mumbai: The long-pending issue of guardian ministers of Nashik and Raigad districts of Maharashtra would be resolved soon, according to indications from the top leadership of the MahaYuti-NDA dispensation, which had so far been divided over the issue.

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Though it has been almost six months since the government comprisingthe BJP and its allies Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-headed NCP came to power in the state, the issue has not yet been settled.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies want to settle the issue before the commencement of the monsoon season of the State Legislature.

When the guardian ministries were announced, Fadnavis allocated the Raigad district to state Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, the daughter of state NCP President and Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare. However, state Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale, who is a close aide of Shinde, too was keen for the post.

A similar situation was witnessed in Nashik where BJP's troubleshooter Girish Mahajan, who is the Disaster Management Minister, was handed over Nashik, however, Shinde aide and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse too is keen.

Fadnavis had to hold the decision and keep the issue in abeyance.

On Sunday, Fadnavis and Shinde indicated that the issue would be settled soon.

"Kumbh Mantri Girish Mahajan is working along with ministers Dada Bhuse), Chhagan Bhujbal and Narhari Zirwal (both NCP). If needed, we are also there,” Fadnavis said, adding: “The absence of the guardian minister has not affected any administrative work. The guardian ministers come and go. Do not worry and don't bring politics into this issue. The Kumbh Mela is a religious and cultural festival.”

“Dont worry…it will happen very soon,” Shinde told reporters in Ratnagiri district. “There are are no issues and work will continue,” he added.

In fact, during the April visit, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who is BJP’s trouble-shooter, had lunch at Tatkare’s home in Raigad district - during which the guardian ministers’ issue was reportedly discussed.

The delay in appointment of guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad has not only attracted criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi but also the common people.

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(Published 02 June 2025, 15:57 IST)