Despite serious allegations of his involvement in the Beed sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra’s political machinery continues to shield the NCP minister.
The recent murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh has rocked Maharashtra, but what has equally disturbed the public consciousness is the lack of accountability for Dhananjay Munde, an influential minister in the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A month after the shocking crime, many of the key players have been arrested—including the alleged mastermind, Valmik Karad, with purported links to Munde. However, the minister himself remains untouchable. This raises the inevitable question: Why has no action been taken against him? The answer, it seems, lies in the complex web of caste politics, personal rivalries, and strategic silence that protects Munde from the fallout of these serious allegations.
Protective Shield
Munde’s status as a prominent figure in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community is perhaps the most significant reason behind his political immunity. Maharashtra’s power dynamics are heavily shaped by caste considerations, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is acutely aware of the need to retain the loyalty of OBC voters. While the NCP has long positioned itself as a defender of Maratha interests, Ajit Pawar is keen not to be perceived as the champion of just one community. Targeting a figure like Munde, who holds considerable sway among OBCs, could alienate a crucial voter base. For this reason, Pawar is playing a cautious game, refraining from acting against Munde and, by extension, preserving the party’s standing among these voters.
Complicating the matter further is the involvement of Munde’s sister, Pankaja, a prominent BJP leader with considerable political clout. The Munde siblings hail from Beed, a district where political equations run deep and complex. Pankaja, a member of the Legislative Council, has long been a key player in the state’s political landscape and was included in the government led by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This entanglement makes any action against Dhananjay particularly delicate for Fadnavis, who risks destabilizing his own party’s equilibrium. By remaining neutral, Fadnavis may be keeping Munde in his political orbit to counterbalance Pankaja’s influence in the long term. The Munde family’s rivalry with the Pawars and the state’s political machinations make for a volatile mix, and Fadnavis, by avoiding direct confrontation, could be hoping to capitalize on this tension.
But this places Fadnavis in a politically precarious position. Despite vocal criticisms from BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who has accused Munde of involvement in several criminal activities in the Beed region, Fadnavis has maintained a thunderous silence. Political observers speculate that this silence is strategic. In the murky world of state politics, where alliances shift with little warning, Fadnavis may see Munde as a necessary ally in future political battles, particularly as a counterweight to Pankaja Munde’s influence within the BJP. Thus, despite growing calls for accountability, Fadnavis is careful not to antagonize Munde, opting instead to avoid a confrontation that could backfire.
Another layer of complexity is introduced by the Central government, which appears to be taking a hands-off approach despite calls for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into Valmik Karad’s connections. While Supriya Sule, an NCP leader aligned with Sharad Pawar’s faction, has demanded an ED probe, the central government has refrained from intervening directly. This cautious stance allows both Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis to maintain their political standing, even as the controversy deepens. The central government’s reluctance to become embroiled in this issue serves both as a political manoeuvre and as a tacit endorsement of the status quo.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has adopted a ‘wait and watch’ approach. Shinde’s group, it seems, has no interest in stirring the pot further. The Sena seems to be enjoying the political soap opera as it affects Devendra Fadnavis’
image more than anyone else’s. Shinde’s group likely prefers to let the
controversy unfold naturally without getting directly involved.
Apart from the political ‘cover-up’ at the top, dissatisfaction with Munde’s style of governance is palpable at the grassroots level, particularly in Beed and Parbhani. Local leaders, regardless of party affiliation, have voiced concerns about his alleged connections to criminal activities. The suicides of Bhagirath Biyani and the arrest of Baban Gitte—once a close associate of Munde—highlight the growing local discontent. Yet, Munde’s entrenched political influence and connections have so far shielded him from significant consequences.
Fragile Future
While Munde may appear safe for now, his political future is far from certain. The ongoing investigations and shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra could shift the balance at any moment. As long as Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis, and the Central government continue to benefit from his political utility, Munde will likely remain in the clear. However, once these calculations change, his fortunes could shift dramatically.
Munde’s case offers a striking example of how caste, political calculations, and personal rivalries intertwine in Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape. The question that looms large is: How long will these factors protect him from facing the consequences of the controversies that continue to haunt his career? Only time will tell.
(The author is a political observer. Views personal.)
Comments