Maharashtra state minister Dhananjay Munde submitted his resignation on Tuesday to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid growing controversy over the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Munde tendered his resignation through his private secretary Prashant Bhamre and officer on special duty Prashant Joshi at the Chief Minister’s official residence. CM Fadnavis later confirmed that Munde had been relieved from his position as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies. The resignation has been forwarded to the governor for further action.
Aide Accused in Sarpanch’s Murder
Munde’s resignation follows the naming of his close aide, Walmik Karad, as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in December 2024. As the MLA of Parli and the guardian minister of Beed district, Munde faced increasing scrutiny after videos and screenshots related to the murder surfaced online, fueling public outrage and criticism of his association with the accused.
Munde’s Statement on Resignation
After submitting his resignation, NCP leader Dhananjay Munde addressed the controversy in a post on X. He stated, “My firm demand from the very first day has been that the accused in the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh from Massajog in Beed district should receive the harshest possible punishment. Seeing the photos that came up yesterday has deeply pained my heart.”
He further added that the investigation into the case had been completed, and a judicial inquiry had been proposed. Citing health concerns, Munde explained his decision to resign, stating, “Recalling my sense of discernment and considering that my health has not been well for the past few days, the doctors have advised me to undergo treatment for the next few days. Therefore, for medical reasons as well, I have submitted my resignation from my ministerial position in the cabinet to the Chief Minister.”
High-Level Discussions Preceded Resignation
Reports suggest that the decision for Munde’s resignation was finalized during a meeting between CM Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the NCP chief. Pawar also held a separate discussion with Munde regarding his resignation before the official announcement.
Opposition Demands Further Action
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray criticized the Maharashtra government for delaying Munde’s removal and failing to ensure justice for the murdered sarpanch’s family. Thackeray stated that such governance failure warranted the government’s dismissal.
Sanjay Raut also demanded that Munde be formally charged in connection with the Beed sarpanch’s murder.
Beed MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar, speaking to HT, remarked, “There is uproar among people of Beed, and a bandh is being observed to demand justice. If the meeting to demand the extortion money was held at Munde’s official bungalow, he too should be made a co-accused in the case.”
