Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde resigned from his position on Tuesday, following growing controversy over the brutal murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The resignation came just a day after disturbing photos of Deshmukh’s murder went viral, sparking outrage. Munde’s close associate, Walmik Karad, has been named as an accused in the case.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level late-night meeting on Monday with Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, along with senior NCP leaders, including Munde, to discuss the situation. Given the political pressure and public anger, Munde decided to step down from his ministerial role.
Munde’s Statement on Resignation
Addressing the controversy, Munde took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his stance. He reiterated his demand for strict punishment for the accused in Deshmukh’s murder.
"My firm demand from the very first day regarding the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh from Massajog in Beed district has been that the accused should receive the harshest possible punishment. After seeing the photos that emerged yesterday, I am deeply disturbed. The investigation has been completed, and the charge sheet has been filed in court. A judicial inquiry is also proposed. Given my sense of responsibility and my deteriorating health over the past few days, I have, on medical grounds, submitted my resignation to the Honorable Chief Minister," Munde stated.
Dhananjay Munde’s Background
Munde, 49, is an MLA from Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP. He represents the Parli seat in Beed district. He is the nephew of the late BJP veteran Gopinath Munde and a cousin of Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde.
His political journey has seen multiple shifts. Initially a member of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, he switched allegiance to Ajit Pawar in 2023 after the party split. Munde has previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council and held a ministerial position in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
Ongoing Investigation & Political Repercussions
Munde’s resignation is expected to have major political consequences, with opposition parties likely to continue pressing for further accountability. Meanwhile, investigations into Santosh Deshmukh’s murder are ongoing. Authorities are expected to take further legal action against those involved, including Walmik Karad.
