Dhananjay Munde resigns as Maharashtra Minister, citing health.
Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned, citing health issues as the reason. However, his resignation comes amid political pressure, as the opposition was demanding his ouster following allegations against his close aide, Walmik Karad. Karad has been named as an accused in the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, intensifying the controversy. The opposition had been questioning Munde’s position in the cabinet, arguing that a minister with ties to an accused individual should step down. While Munde maintains that his decision is based purely on health concerns, political analysts suggest that the growing pressure may have played a role. His resignation has added fuel to the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra.
Dhananjay Munde Resigns as Maharashtra Minister Amid Controversy Over Aide’s Alleged Involvement in Murder Case
Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde resigned from his post on Tuesday (March 4, 2025), following mounting pressure over his close aide Walmik Karad’s His resignation came after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly asked him to step down.
Political Pressure Mounts on Munde
The resignation follows days of intense political turmoil, with the opposition targeting Munde and demanding accountability. The controversy erupted after Walmik Karad was named as an accused in the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed district. The opposition, particularly the Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), had been relentless in questioning how Munde could continue in office when one of his closest aides was facing such serious allegations.
Amid growing demands for his resignation, Munde maintained that his decision was based on health issues. However, political analysts believe that the pressure from the opposition, coupled with Fadnavis’s insistence, played a significant role in his exit.
The Beed Sarpanch Murder Case
The case that triggered this controversy revolves around the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances last month. The police investigation led to the naming of Walmik Karad, a close aide of Munde, as one of the key accused in the case. This revelation sent shockwaves through the political circles of Maharashtra, as Karad is known to have longstanding ties with Munde.
The opposition, citing Karad’s alleged involvement, began questioning Munde’s role and influence in the case. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the ruling coalition of shielding the accused. “How can a minister remain in power when his aide is an accused in a murder case? This is a test for the government’s credibility,” a senior Congress leader said.
NCP’s Response and Political Implications
Munde’s resignation is a significant blow to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, which is part of the BJP-led Maharashtra government. The development has created unrest within the party, as Munde was considered one of its influential leaders in Beed and Marathwada.
Following his resignation, NCP leaders expressed disappointment, calling it an unfortunate but necessary move. “Munde ji has been an important leader for us. His health issues are genuine, and we respect his decision. However, the allegations against his aide should not be used to tarnish his image,” an NCP spokesperson said.
This development could also have a ripple effect on the political landscape in Maharashtra, especially with the Lok Sabha elections around the corner. The opposition is expected to use this issue to corner the ruling alliance and portray it as a government plagued by controversies.
What’s Next for Munde?
Though Munde has stepped down from his ministerial post, he remains a key player in Maharashtra politics. Sources indicate that he may lie low for some time before making a political comeback. Meanwhile, the investigation into the Beed sarpanch murder case continues, with Karad’s role under scrutiny.
For now, Munde’s resignation marks yet another political storm in Maharashtra, highlighting the fragile nature of power equations in the state.