While the suspense over who will become the Chief Minister of the Mahayuti alliance in the state continues, a fierce competition has emerged among its constituent parties in Nashik for the crucial post of Guardian Minister. With Nashik set to witness the grand Simhastha Kumbh Mela during this tenure, the post has gained significant importance due to the potential for large-scale developmental works worth thousands of crores, elevating Nashik's global profile.
Currently, the post of Guardian Minister is held by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the party is asserting its right to retain the position. Former MP Hemant Godse has declared that Dada Bhuse of the Shinde faction will continue as Nashik's Guardian Minister.
On the other hand, the BJP, with the highest number of MLAs in Nashik, is staking its claim. BJP Metropolitan Chief Prashant Jadhav argues that the post should belong to the BJP, especially given the city's developmental needs in the run-up to the Simhastha.
The Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) has also entered the fray. Ranjan Thackeray, a representative of the faction, claims that since the NCP has a strong MLA base in Nashik district, the Guardian Minister post should go to their party.
Possible Ministers in the Running
From Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): Outgoing Guardian Minister Dada Bhuse is the leading contender, with Suhas Kande also vying for the position.
From BJP: The party is considering several names, including Rahul Aher (whom Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had promised a ministerial berth during the election campaign), Seema Hire, Devyani Farande, and Adv. Rahul Dhikle.
From NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): While Chhagan Bhujbal is a prominent contender, others like Adv. Manikrao Kokate and Narhari Jirwal are also in the race.
High Stakes for Nashik
The Guardian Minister post holds exceptional importance due to the upcoming Simhastha, which occurs every 12 years and draws global attention. The event provides an opportunity for substantial development projects that can transform the city's infrastructure and economy. This has intensified the competition among the three Mahayuti allies, each seeking to secure the position to leave a mark on Nashik's development.
Political Dynamics
Even as the fight over the Guardian Minister post escalates, the larger question of who will be the Chief Minister of the state remains unanswered, despite the Mahayuti securing a two-thirds majority in the elections. Meanwhile, MLAs from all factions are camping in Mumbai and Delhi to lobby for ministerial positions, reflecting the high stakes involved.
The final decision on Nashik's Guardian Minister is expected to have significant implications, not just for the district but also for the political equation within the Mahayuti alliance.