Maharashtra Politics: Sunil Tatkare Seeks Raigad For Daughter Aditi; Sena Minister Bharat Gogawale Unyielding

January 29,2025

The political tussle over the district guardian ministership of Raigad is intensifying between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The escalating rhetoric from leaders on both sides threatens to further strain relations within the Mahayuti alliance.

The Shiv Sena is staking its claim to the post based on its strength of three MLAs from the district. Of the seven MLAs in Raigad, the BJP and Shiv Sena each have three, while the NCP has only one. The Shinde camp is asserting its demand for the position, citing its significant political presence in the district.

The simmering discontent surfaced soon after the state government announced the names of the district guardian minister on January 18. It took a serious turn when the Shiv Sena objected to the appointment of the NCP minister Aditi Tatkare to the post. She is the daughter of NCP state unit chief Sunil Tatkare who represents the district in Lok Sabha.

Sunil Tatkare is reportedly keen on the guardian ministership for his daughter to control the politics of the district which has become a soaring point between him and the Sena leaders. Sena minister Bharat Gogawale who represents the Mahad assembly constituency has firmly staked his claim to the post which has been backed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who has said that there was nothing wrong with Gogawale’s demand.

Things became serious on Monday when Gogawale alleged that Tatkare made political settlements with different people to defeat him. “MP Tatkare didn’t want me in the assembly as I was in the race for the ministership and the responsibility as the guardian minister,” Gogawale said.

Gogawale’s party colleague and Alibaug MLA Mahendra Dalvi went a step ahead saying they will not allow MP Tatkare to roam freely in the district. Another MLA of the Shinde-led Sena Mahendra Thorwe took potshots at Sunil Tatkare labelling him as a king of dishonesty. This did not go down well with the NCP and the ex-MLC Aniket Tatkare, son of MP Sunil Tatkare objected to the language.