Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, also the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has dissolved the Beed district unit of the party. Pawar took this decision after meeting senior party office bearers from Beed at his chamber in Mantralaya on Tuesday.

About The Move

The move is a major setback for Dhananjay Munde, who has been controlling NCP affairs in Beed through office bearers of his choice. The involvement of Vishnu Chate, NCP’s Kej taluka president, came to light shortly after the brutal killing of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The NCP faced difficulty defending itself when it was revealed that Chate, who is in judicial custody and facing charges under MCOCA, was directly involved in the killing. Sources suggest that more members of NCP’s Beed unit may face scrutiny if the police pursue additional cases tied to Walmik Karad and others, as cited by activists.

Ladki Bahin Scheme's Taluka Committee Remains Operational

Despite the dissolution of the Beed district unit, the Ladki Bahin Scheme’s taluka committee, where Walmik Karad serves as president, remains operational. Party sources state that Karad has not been removed from the post. Karad and his close associates are also involved in other committees, they added.

Meanwhile, Dhananjay Munde met Ajit Pawar at his bungalow, Deogiri, on Tuesday evening. After a brief 10-minute meeting, Munde left for Parli. The meeting is significant, coming after the state police applied MCOCA charges against Walmik Karad. When questioned, Munde said he would clarify his position in a day or two after reaching Parli.

It is also speculated that Munde may have submitted his resignation letter to Ajit Pawar before leaving for Parli. Pawar had reportedly asked him to visit Parli due to the tense law and order situation following the MCOCA charges on Karad. Karad’s family and supporters staged protests outside Parli Police Station late into the night. Sources suggest Munde is unlikely to accept defeat, given the strong presence of the Vanjari community in Beed and surrounding areas. He is expected to mobilize community youth and possibly play the victim card, with a show of strength serving as his potential savior.

Following the news of MCOCA charges against Karad, Deputy CM Pawar remarked, “Both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and I have agreed to take a tough stance in the Deshmukh murder case. Those responsible will face strict action. It’s been a month, and while the Deshmukh family endures immense stress, the police, court, and SIT are working diligently. The murder of Santosh Deshmukh was a heinous act, and such incidents will not be tolerated in our state, which upholds the values of Mahatma Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. We will ensure that all those involved are held accountable.”

On The Invocation Of MCOCA Against Accused Walmik Karad

Asked about the invocation of MCOCA against accused Walmik Karad and concerns over law and order in Parli, Pawar responded, “Competent police officers have been assigned to Beed district, and they have been instructed to work without fear or political pressure.”

Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the late Santosh Deshmukh, also voiced his support for the MCOCA charges. He said, “All those involved in my brother’s murder should be punished. We expect charges under Section 302 and MCOCA for all the accused. We are satisfied with the efforts of the Chief Minister and the SIT, who are working in the right direction.”

(With inputs by Kalpesh Mhamunkar)