
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Says Ajit Pawar Will Decide Dhananjay Munde’s Fate
New Delhi, 31st January 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday deferred the decision regarding NCP minister Dhananjay Munde’s future to his deputy, Ajit Pawar, in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Munde’s involvement in the Beed sarpanch murder case.
Fadnavis made the statement during a rally in Delhi, shortly after Munde, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, had met with him. “Dhananjay Munde and I had a meeting during this morning’s cabinet session. He is a minister in our government, and there’s nothing unusual about our meeting. He can meet with me whenever he wants, and I can do the same,” Fadnavis told the media.
When asked about the demands for Munde’s resignation, Fadnavis said, “Ajit Pawar has already commented on the matter. Whatever decision he makes will be final.”
Munde has been under scrutiny following the arrest of his close associate, Walmik Karad, in connection with an extortion case related to the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district in December. Munde, who represents Beed as an MLA, is facing pressure due to the allegations. After activist Anjali Damania met with Ajit Pawar, she submitted documents claiming a link between Munde and Karad. Pawar had stated that those found guilty after an investigation would face consequences.
Earlier, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule criticized the BJP-led government over the investigation into the murder, noting that one of the accused was still at large even 50 days after the crime. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but accused Krishna Andhale remains on the run.
Sule added, “Many people are speaking out about this issue, and our unified demand is that a decision be made on moral grounds regarding Dhananjay Munde’s resignation, given the ongoing investigations by the CID in Beed.”