Why Maharashtra's Guardian Minister posts have become a bone of contention

Maharashtra government

After the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra finally announced the long-awaited portfolio allocation on Saturday, a new battle has emerged among its allies over the coveted posts of Guardian Ministers. With multiple contenders vying for these influential roles across 11 districts, the stage is set for intense political maneuvering.

Maharashtra currently has 42 ministers, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The race for Guardian Minister posts has gained traction in districts such as Nashik, Jalgaon, Raigad, Satara, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane, Sambhaji Nagar, Beed, Pune and Kolhapur.

Who is a Guardian Minister?

The position of a Guardian Minister is pivotal, as it involves overseeing the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) funds, essential for development and beautification projects. Guardian Ministers coordinate with district collectors, police superintendents, and administrative officials to prioritize development initiatives.

As ex-officio chairpersons of the DPDC, they ensure the implementation of state government policies at the district level.

Traditionally assigned to senior leaders from the ruling coalition, the role acts as a bridge between the state government and local administration, making it a highly sought-after post.

Bone of contention

The competition is particularly fierce in several districts. In Raigad, Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale is vying against NCP minister Aditi Tatkare. “We have three ministers in Raigad. Last time, the Sena got the post, and now, as a minister, I naturally expect to be appointed,” said Gogawale.

In Nashik, NCP’s Manikrao Kokate and Shinde Sena’s Dada Bhuse are locked in a standoff. Kokate stressed NCP’s strength, citing the party’s seven MLAs from the district.

Satara is witnessing the most intense rivalry, with four ministers staking claims, while in Beed, NCP’s Dhananjay Munde and BJP’s Pankaja Munde are at loggerheads.

High-stakes battle in Pune

The battle for Pune has drawn significant attention, with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and senior BJP minister Chandrakant Patil competing for the post. Patil, reportedly backed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has argued that Pune’s Guardian Minister post should remain with the BJP. However, Pawar has not yet commented on the matter.

Madhuri Misal, Minister of State, expressed support for both leaders, stating, “I have worked under both Dadas and received their support.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Murli Mohol maintained that the allocation would be unanimous, dismissing any potential discord.

Ajit Pawar, who recently achieved a landslide victory in Baramati, currently manages the finance portfolio, while Chandrakant Patil, who won from Kothrud, handles higher and technical education. In the earlier administration led by Eknath Shinde, Patil initially served as the Pune Guardian Minister before the post was reassigned to Pawar after his induction into the alliance.