Fadnavis resolves Mahayuti tussle over guardian minister posts

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ended a 1.5-year deadlock among Mahayuti allies over the appointment of guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts. BJP's Girish Mahajan has been appointed Nashik's guardian minister, while Shiv Sena's Bharat Gogawale gets Raigad.

The NCP had staked claim to both posts but was left out. Hindustan Times reports that Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde objected to an earlier order appointing NCP's Aditi Tatkare to Raigad, forcing Fadnavis to stay it within 24 hours. The New Indian Express says the decision is a setback for the NCP, which has lost its voice in government after the demise of Ajit Pawar. A political observer quoted by the outlet called the NCP a 'headless chicken'.

The guardian minister oversees the District Planning and Development Council, controlling fund allocation for development projects. Nashik's post gained importance due to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a BJP leader told Hindustan Times.