Who is Dhananjay Munde? A look at NCP leader amid growing controversy

NEW DELHI: NEW DELHI: Maharashtra politician Dhananjay Munde finds himself at the center of a political storm following allegations involving his close associate, Walmik Karad, in the brutal murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
As the controversy escalated, Munde resigned from his ministerial position on Tuesday, amid increasing political pressure and demands for accountability.

Who is Dhananjay Munde?
Dhananjay Munde was born on July 15, 1975, in Parli Vaijnath in Maharashtra's Beed district, into a prominent Vanjari family. He is the nephew of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde and the cousin of influential figures in Maharashtra politics, including BJP minister Pankaja Munde and MP Pritam Munde.
Political career and affiliation
At 49, Munde is an MLA from the Parli constituency in Beed, Maharashtra, and a key member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He has been instrumental in shaping the party’s strategies at the state level and has been a significant figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Ministerial roles
Dhananjay Munde served as state minister for food and civil supplies, managing essential public policies. He was also the guardian minister for Beed, overseeing administrative and developmental issues in the district.
Political shifts and realignment
In 2023, following a political split within the NCP, Munde sided with Ajit Pawar’s faction. Although he previously oversaw Beed, the district is now under Ajit Pawar’s direct supervision, reflecting a shift in power dynamics within the NCP.
Recent controversy
Munde’s resignation comes amid the controversy surrounding the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a three-time sarpanch from Massajog village. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2024, allegedly for opposing an extortion attempt. His killing has led to political uproar, with Munde’s associate, Walmik Karad, being named as the primary accused.
Resignation not enough: Aaditya Thackeray demands govt ouster
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray fiercely condemned the state government, asserting that Dhananjay Munde's resignation alone is not enough to address the crisis. He demanded the dismissal of the entire government, highlighting the worsening law and order situation in Maharashtra.