Beed: Maharashtra’s political landscape has been rocked by the resignation of State Minister Dhananjay Munde, following the arrest of his close aide in connection with the murder of Beed’s sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh. Munde cited health reasons for his departure, but the timing has raised questions about the underlying motives.
The Beed Sarpanch Murder Case
In December 2024, the abduction and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, shocked the community. Investigators arrested Walmik Karad, a close associate of Dhananjay Munde, and identified him as the mastermind behind the crime. This development intensified scrutiny on Munde, given his political standing and proximity to the accused.
Munde’s Resignation Amid Controversy
Facing mounting pressure from both the opposition and the public, Munde submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He conveyed his decision through his private secretary, Prashant Bhamre, and officer on special duty, Prashant Joshi, at the Chief Minister’s official residence. Officials have since forwarded the resignation to the state governor for further action.
Health Concerns: Diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy
Amid the political turmoil, Munde revealed his diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy, a neurological condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. This ailment has significantly impaired his ability to speak, hindering his participation in cabinet meetings and public engagements. Munde expressed deep distress over the situation, stating, “Seeing the photos that came up yesterday has deeply pained my heart.”
Political Reactions and Implications
The resignation has elicited varied reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Aditya Thackeray, have criticized the government for the delay in addressing the issue and have called for justice for Deshmukh’s family. Thackeray demanded the dismissal of the government in such situations. Similarly, Sanjay Raut urged authorities to charge Munde in connection with the murder.
NCP leaders Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis discussed Munde’s resignation, which he was willing to submit if party leadership requested it.
Public Sentiment in Beed
The Beed district has witnessed significant public unrest following Deshmukh’s murder. Local MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar reported that there is widespread anger among residents, leading to a bandh (shutdown) demanding justice. Kshirsagar emphasized that Munde should also be considered a co-accused in the case if he held meetings at his official residence to demand extortion money.
Dhananjay Munde’s resignation amid the Beed sarpanch murder case raises political concerns as investigations continue to ensure justice and accountability.
