Currently, developments in Maharashtra politics have gained momentum, and senior leader and former minister of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), Dhananjay Munde, has once again become the center of discussion. After receiving significant relief from the Beed District Court, there is a surge of speculation about his return to the cabinet. It is considered that Munde has gained substantial political strength after the court dismissed the criminal complaint filed by Karuna Sharma Munde, who claimed to be Dhananjay Munde's wife.
Karuna Munde had raised an objection to the nomination papers filed by Dhananjay Munde for the 2024 assembly elections. She alleged in the complaint that Munde had concealed personal information in the nomination form, affecting the election process. However, the court in Parli Vaijnath, Beed district, completely dismissed this claim. Judicial Magistrate Deepak Borde clarified in the order that Dhananjay Munde had not concealed any important information to win the election. The court also noted that the alleged concealment of information had no impact on the election result.
The court further clarified that the complainant Karuna Munde has failed to prima facie prove any offense against the accused. Therefore, the court ordered the dismissal of her criminal complaint. This decision is considered to have put a partial end to the legal troubles faced by Dhananjay Munde. This decision comes at a time when there is political speculation that Dhananjay Munde is actively seeking to regain a ministerial position in the Fadnavis government. There are also indications that a positive atmosphere is being created for his return by the Ajit Pawar faction.
Resignation after Santosh Deshmukh murder case
Meanwhile, Dhananjay Munde had to resign from the ministerial post after the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. The opposition had alleged that the accused in this case, Valmik Karad, had connections with Munde. These allegations caused a major uproar in the state's politics, and as a result, Munde resigned from the ministerial post.
Now, after receiving relief from the court in the Karuna Sharma-Munde case, all eyes are on whether Munde will make a political comeback soon. However, it is clear that the final decision on this will be taken by the Chief Minister and the leadership of the ruling alliance. Whether Dhananjay Munde returns to the cabinet or not is likely to become clear in the coming days.