NCP Leader Dhananjay Munde Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations Over Sarpanch Murder
Beed, 30th December 2024: Senior NCP leader Dhananjay Panditrao Munde is under scrutiny as both opposition and ruling party leaders level serious allegations against him, following claims that his close aide was involved in the murder of a sarpanch in Beed.
Munde, 49, was initially mentored by his uncle, former deputy chief minister and BJP leader Gopinath Munde. During Gopinath’s tenure, Dhananjay faced controversy over his leadership in Beed. However, after Gopinath’s daughter, Pankaja emerged as the heir to his political legacy, Dhananjay sought opportunities beyond the BJP. Encouraged by several prominent BJP leaders, he joined the NCP, where he was supported by Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit, aiming to strengthen non-Maratha leadership in Marathwada. Dhananjay was made a member of the legislative council and later became the leader of the Opposition in the upper house after Congress-NCP lost power in 2014.
Dhananjay gained political control of his uncle’s constituency and won the 2019 assembly elections by defeating Pankaja. He continued his political rise by defeating an NCP-SP candidate in 2024. Throughout his tenure, he developed a close relationship with Ajit Pawar, playing a key role in the 2019 attempt to split the NCP and in the successful split of the party in 2023.
However, Dhananjay has been involved in several controversies. As agriculture minister in the Mahayuti government, he faced criticism for forcing the transfer of an agriculture secretary who opposed his department’s plans. In 2021, singer Renu Sharma accused him of rape, though she later withdrew the complaint. Dhananjay acknowledged his relationship with Renu’s sister and their children together.
In Beed, Dhananjay has solidified his control over the district. He has served as a minister in three consecutive governments (MVA, Mahayuti, and Mahayuti 2.0) and as guardian minister of Beed. Allegations against him include land grabbing, extortion, and political violence. Walmik Karad, a close ally, is accused of masterminding the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. This has sparked protests in Beed, with political workers demanding Karad’s arrest and Munde’s removal from his ministerial post.
Dhananjay’s political allies, Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, are facing mounting pressure as leaders from all parties call for action. There are also caste dynamics at play, as the murder involves figures from the Maratha and OBC Vanjari communities, highlighting tensions from previous caste-based agitations. While Pawar has not called for Dhananjay’s resignation, he has not stopped NCP leaders like MLA Prakash Solanke from criticizing him. The coming days may determine whether Dhananjay can retain his position or will be forced to step down.
