Sat Jan 18 17:23:50 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra’s New Government Announces Guardian Ministers, Notable Omissions Spark Speculation

**Mumbai, India** – The Maharashtra government on Saturday announced the allocation of guardian ministers for the state’s 36 districts, revealing several notable absences from the list, including that of NCP leader and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde.

Munde, previously the guardian minister of Beed district, was notably excluded following recent controversies surrounding a local sarpanch’s murder. While his associate has been arrested in connection with the case, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar declined calls for Munde’s resignation.

Other ministers left out include Dadaji Bhuse, Datta Bharne, Bharat Gogawale, and Ministers of State Indranil Naik and Yogesh Kadam. This has led to speculation about the political dynamics within the BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena coalition government.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will oversee Naxal-affected Gadchiroli, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will manage Pune and Beed. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will be responsible for Mumbai City and Thane.

The distribution of responsibilities saw BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule appointed as guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati, Ashish Shelar for Mumbai Suburbs (with Mangal Prabhat Lodha as co-guardian minister), and Pankaja Munde (Dhananjay Munde’s cousin) for Jalna. Other key appointments include Aditi Tatkare (NCP) for Raigad, and various BJP and Shiv Sena leaders across the remaining districts. A full list of appointees is available. The government’s decision to exclude several ministers has fueled discussions about potential internal power struggles and strategic maneuvering within the ruling coalition.

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