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The question of who will replace Munde could lead to political bargaining within the ruling alliance, with Chaggan Bhujbal being one of the frontrunners for the post
The sudden exit of Dhananjay Munde — a prominent political figure for years — has raised questions about the stability of the state’s ruling coalition and the long-term impact on his party. (X @dhananjay_munde)
Maharashtra’s political landscape witnessed a major shake-up this week with the resignation of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and cabinet minister Dhananjay Munde over murder charges against his close aide.
The sudden exit of Munde — a prominent political figure for years — has raised questions about the stability of the state’s ruling coalition and the long-term impact on his party.
A well-known leader from Maharashtra’s Beed district, Munde belongs to a politically influential family. He is the nephew of late BJP leader Gopinath Munde and cousin of minister Pankaja Munde. Despite starting his career with the BJP, he later joined the NCP under Ajit Pawar’s leadership and quickly rose through the ranks.
Munde made his mark as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council before becoming a cabinet minister in the state government. He held key portfolios such as social justice and special assistance, playing an important role in shaping policies related to marginalised communities. His political journey, however, has not been free of controversies.
Munde’s resignation comes in the wake of a high-profile murder case in Beed, where his close aide Walmik Karad was arrested. The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a local political figure, led to intense scrutiny of Munde’s associates. Allegations surfaced that individuals linked to Munde were involved in the crime, leading to calls for his resignation.
The pressure on Munde increased as opposition parties and activists questioned his moral responsibility. Even within his own party, voices demanding action grew louder. Finally, on March 3, Munde announced his resignation, citing personal and health reasons. However, the timing and circumstances suggest that the controversy played a significant role in his decision.
Munde’s resignation has sparked intense political debate in the state. Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), have used this episode to attack the ruling coalition, questioning why Munde was allowed to continue in office despite the allegations.
The delay in acting against Munde has raised concerns about accountability in the government. Critics argue that the government only acted when public pressure became too strong to ignore. This could affect voter confidence in the ruling alliance ahead of upcoming elections. Munde’s resignation is not just about an individual leader stepping down; it has broader implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra, say political experts.
Munde is one of NCP’s strongest leaders in rural Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada region. His exit could weaken the party’s hold in Beed and surrounding districts, making it vulnerable to political rivals. Munde, who represents the critical OBC caste, has a huge following in Marathwada, and his resignation could again ignite OBC vs Maratha politics.
Also, with Munde stepping down, there is now a vacancy in the state cabinet. The question of who will replace him could lead to political bargaining within the ruling alliance. It will also be interesting to see if another leader from Beed or the Marathwada region gets a cabinet berth to balance the regional equation. The potential candidate could be Chaggan Bhujbal, another OBC face from the NCP and seasoned politician who was denied a cabinet berth this time.
The Opposition, meanwhile, is likely to use this issue in the upcoming local body elections which are due since the past three years, framing it as a case of corruption and poor governance. If they succeed in keeping the controversy alive, it could damage the ruling coalition’s credibility.
However, many believe that Munde’s political career is far from over as he could make a comeback if he manages to clear his name. Maharashtra’s history has seen many leaders rebound from controversies, and Munde could follow the same path.
With Munde out of the cabinet, all eyes now will be on how the government handles the fallout. Another cabinet minister who could face heat is Manikrao Kokate, who is embroiled in a legal case, as the Opposition looks to corner the government.
