In a strategic move highlighting the ongoing power tussle within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde convened a meeting on February 14, 2025, to review preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik, scheduled for 2027. This action underscores the internal discord over the appointment of the district’s guardian minister, a position currently under contention between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.
The meeting, held at the Nashik district collector’s office, was notably absent of BJP’s Girish Mahajan, the state’s Water Resources Minister, who has been vying for the guardian minister role in Nashik. Shinde’s initiative to lead the review, despite a prior meeting conducted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai just weeks earlier, signals his intent to assert influence over the district’s administrative affairs.
The crux of the dispute lies in the allocation of the guardian minister position for Nashik. Traditionally, this role is pivotal, especially with the significant Kumbh Mela event on the horizon, necessitating meticulous planning and coordination. Fadnavis had initially appointed Mahajan to oversee the Kumbh Mela preparations, a decision that has been met with resistance from the Shiv Sena, which argues for its own representation in the district’s leadership. This contention led to a suspension of the appointments for Nashik and Raigad districts, as announced by the General Administration Department on January 18, 2025.
Shinde’s proactive engagement in Nashik is perceived as a maneuver to reaffirm his and his party’s stake in the district’s governance. By directly involving himself in the Kumbh Mela preparations, Shinde aims to demonstrate his commitment to the region’s development and to counterbalance the BJP’s influence. This move also comes in the wake of his absence from a cabinet meeting earlier this month, which fueled speculation about internal disagreements within the coalition.
The delay in finalizing the guardian minister appointments has raised concerns about the timely execution of projects related to the Kumbh Mela. The event, which attracts millions of devotees, requires extensive infrastructure development, crowd management strategies, and coordination among various governmental departments. The absence of a designated guardian minister could potentially hinder the seamless planning and execution of such a large-scale event.
Political analysts suggest that this power struggle is emblematic of the broader challenges within the Mahayuti alliance, where balancing power dynamics between coalition partners is an ongoing endeavor. The Shiv Sena’s insistence on securing the guardian minister position for Nashik reflects its desire to maintain a significant administrative footprint, especially in regions where it has substantial political influence.
In response to the unfolding situation, Chief Minister Fadnavis has indicated that discussions are underway to resolve the impasse. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, stating that he, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shinde and Ajit Pawar, will engage in deliberations to reach an amicable solution. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the administrative leadership in Nashik and ensuring that the preparations for the Kumbh Mela proceed without further political hindrances.
As the Mahayuti government navigates this internal discord, the residents of Nashik and stakeholders involved in the Kumbh Mela preparations remain hopeful for a swift resolution. The successful execution of the Kumbh Mela not only holds religious and cultural significance but also has substantial economic implications for the region. Therefore, establishing clear and decisive leadership in the district is imperative to facilitate effective planning and implementation of the event.
