01 June,2025 12:12 AM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extends a traditional welcome to Hindu seers before the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 preparatory meeting, in Nashik. Pic/X
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday maintained ambiguity over who will be the guardian minister of Nashik district, which is set to host the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2026-27, indicating that differences among the three Mahayuti allies vying for the post remain unresolved, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing reporters after chairing a meeting of seers to discuss the schedule for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis said, "Kumbh Mantri Girish Mahajan (BJP) is working along with ministers Dada Bhuse (Shiv Sena), Chhagan Bhujbal, and Narhari Zirwal (both NCP). If needed, we are also there."
However, the Chief Minister clarified that the absence of a guardian minister has not affected administrative work.
"Guardian ministers come and go. Do not worry and don't bring politics into this issue. This (Kumbh Mela) is a religious and cultural parva (period)," Fadnavis said while replying to a query on the possible district guardian minister appointment.
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Earlier this year, the appointment of guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts was stayed amid a reported tussle within the ruling Mahayuti - comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar.
On January 18, the state government announced the list of district guardian ministers, with the NCP's Aditi Tatkare getting Raigad and BJP leader Girish Mahajan being assigned Nashik.
However, amid reports of discontent, the General Administration Department issued an order on January 19 staying these two appointments.
Mahajan and Bhuse had earlier served as guardian ministers of Nashik district under governments headed by Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, respectively. Before that, Chhagan Bhujbal of the (undivided) NCP held the post during the Congress-NCP Democratic Front (DF) government.
Bhujbal, who was recently inducted as a cabinet minister in the Mahayuti government, has reportedly shown interest in taking over the guardian minister's post.
Meanwhile, important dates for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela were announced on Sunday in a meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Nashik collectorate.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026, with Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar, Ramkund, and Panchvati, and will continue until July 24, 2028. On July 29, 2027, Nagar Pradakshina will take place in Nashik, while the first Amrut Snan will be held on August 2, 2027.
(With inputs from PTI)
