Daijiworld Media Network – Raigad

Raigad, Sep 23: Six months after resigning from the state cabinet following the alleged involvement of his close aide in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, NCP leader Dhananjay Munde is seeking rehabilitation within the party.

Speaking at a public event in Raigad on Sunday, Munde appealed to NCP state president Sunil Tatkare for responsibilities, saying, “If I made a mistake, then correct me. But don’t leave me with no work. Give me some responsibility.” He recalled that the party had earlier entrusted him with the post of Leader of Opposition in the state council, a role many believed should have gone to Tatkare.

Responding to Munde’s appeal, Tatkare told the media, “He tendered his resignation. The case is still in court. A decision will be taken at the appropriate time by the leadership within the party and the alliance.” On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar added that Munde’s request would be treated with respect.

Munde had resigned as Cabinet Minister for Food and Civil Supplies in March after his close aide, Walmik Karad, was accused of allegedly masterminding Deshmukh’s murder in December 2024. Munde, citing health reasons amid the uproar, stepped down from his ministerial position.

Hailing from Beed and the nephew of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, Dhananjay Munde remains close to Ajit Pawar and had supported him during the latter’s split from Sharad Pawar in 2023.