Nashik Guardian Minister Row Girish Mahajan Named Kumbh Minister

The dispute over Nashik’s guardian minister has resurfaced after a Simhastha Kumbh Mela booklet described BJP leader Girish Mahajan as the Maharashtra district’s “Guardian and Kumbh Mela Minister”, despite the ruling Shiv Sena continuing to oppose his appointment and back Dada Bhuse for the post.

No government order has been issued appointing Mahajan as the guardian minister since his earlier appointment was stayed in January 2025.

With the Kumbh preparations gathering pace in the district, the competing claims of coalition partners—the BJP, Shinde-led Sena, and NCP—over the guardian minister are once again in focus.

Mahajan was appointed Nashik’s guardian minister on January 18, 2025, but the order was stayed the following day after objections from the Sena, which argued that Bhuse, a Nashik leader and former guardian minister, should get the post. The issue has remained unresolved since then.

The BJP continues to back Mahajan, who is overseeing preparations for the Kumbh and also holds the water resources and disaster management portfolios. The NCP, meanwhile, has staked its claim through senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who represents the Yeola constituency in the district.

The dispute was among the early points of friction within the Mahayuti government. In January 2025, Shinde said the matter would be resolved through discussions, but no fresh appointment followed.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis subsequently sought to separate the Kumbh preparations from the dispute over the guardian minister’s post. In June 2025, he said Mahajan, Bhuse, Bhujbal, and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal were all working on the preparations.

“Guardian ministers come and go. Don’t bring politics into this,” Fadnavis then said.

Mahajan has since taken a prominent role in Kumbh-related events. On June 11, 2026, he attended the foundation ceremony for a 51-foot flagmast at Ramkund. On July 19, he inaugurated the Kumbh Mela authority office and reviewed preparations.

The booklet’s description of Mahajan has now revived the question of whether his role in overseeing the Kumbh is being conflated with the separate post of Nashik guardian minister.

The first major ceremony of the Simhastha Kumbh is scheduled for October 31, 2026, while the main Amrit Snan is scheduled for 2027. More than Rs 22,000 crore has been approved for development works linked to the event.

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More