Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munder Steps Down After CM Devendra Fadnavis's Request – Here’s Why

Dhananjay Munde, 49, is an MLA from Ajit Pawar's NCP and represents the Parli seat in Beed. The nephew of the late BJP veteran Gopinath Munde, Dhananjay is also the cousin of Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde. He joined the NCP in 2013 and supported Ajit Pawar when the party split in 2023. Munde has previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council and as a state minister in the Uddhav Thackeray government.

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde resigned after one of his close associates was arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a sarpanch in Beed district last December. Munde, who was responsible for the food and civil supplies portfolios, stepped down following the directive of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His aide, Walmik Karad, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the killing of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village.

In a post on X, Munde emphasized that he had always demanded the harshest punishment for those involved in the sarpanch's murder. "Seeing the photos that surfaced yesterday, I was deeply saddened. The investigation into this matter has been completed and the charge sheet has been filed in the court. Also, a judicial inquiry is proposed," he said. The NCP leader stated that he followed his "inner self" in making the decision. He also mentioned that his health had not been in good condition, and his doctor had recommended immediate treatment.

Chief Minester Fadnavis informed the media that he had accepted Dhananjay Munde's resignation and forwarded it to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Sources indicate that Mr. Fadnavis's decision came after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

, where they discussed the political implications of the chargesheet in the sarpanch's murder case and the investigation into Karad's alleged involvement.