Delay In Guardian Minister Appointment Sparks Concerns For Simhastha Kumbh Mela Preparation

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held in Nashik every twelve years, has been postponed for a few months. While extensive planning is underway, the absence of a Guardian Minister is raising concerns about the progress of preparations.

The Chief Minister had announced senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan as the Guardian Minister of Nashik, but his appointment has been delayed due to party conflicts within the Mahayuti alliance.

During the previous Mahayuti government, with Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, Girish Mahajan was appointed as the Kumbh Mela Minister in preparation for the event in Nashik. At the time, senior Sena leader Dada Bhuse served as Guardian Minister of Nashik. Following the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance returned to power, with Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister and Mahajan continuing as Kumbh Mela Minister, leading to speculation that he would also take over as Guardian Minister.

Claims by Sena and NCP

However, Shiv Sena and the NCP have also staked their claims for the Guardian Minister post, leading to a delay in Mahajan’s appointment. The Mahayuti alliance leaders are set to meet and resolve the issue, with a final decision expected within the next two days.

When the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and Shiv Sena’s Dada Bhuse were district ministers, with Bhujbal serving as Guardian Minister. After the Mahayuti government came to power, Bhuse was made Guardian Minister under Shinde’s leadership. Following the NCP’s entry into the Mahayuti alliance, Bhujbal regained a ministerial post but was not reappointed as Guardian Minister.

Out of 15 MLAs in Nashik district, 7 belong to the NCP, 2 to Shiv Sena, and 1 of them has already secured a ministerial post. Despite 5 BJP MLAs from the district, none have been given a ministerial position. As a result, BJP’s Girish Mahajan has been named Guardian Minister of Nashik to represent the party in the region.

In light of the upcoming local body elections and Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the BJP strategically appointed Girish Mahajan as Guardian Minister due to his proven experience and strong rapport with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, with political conflicts delaying the appointment, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister’s final decision regarding Nashik’s leadership.