The Maharashtra government assigns new guardian minister charges for Nashik and Raigad, ending a prolonged dispute over district guardianship. BJP minister Girish Mahajan is appointed guardian minister of Nashik, while Sena minister Bharat Gogawale is named guardian minister of Raigad. The decision is issued after extended discussions within the state’s ruling coalition.
Multiple outlets report the delay stems from coalition negotiations over guardianship roles, with the issue tied to power-sharing among partners. Earlier, Raigad’s guardianship was held by NCP leader and minister Aditi Tatkare, and there had been speculation and reports of a tussle between Tatkare and Gogawale over the post. Loksatta-linked reporting cited Gogawale hoisting the national flag in Raigad on Independence Day, which fueled expectations of his appointment. Times of India frames the change as part of negotiations that followed a year-and-a-half dispute, affecting ministerial positioning for coalition partners.
Both reports agree the government’s order now settles the arrangements: Gogawale is placed in Raigad and Mahajan in Nashik, with the new assignments reflecting the coalition’s final understanding.
