Minister Dhananjay Munde Resigns Amid Murder Case Controversy in Maharashtra

Mumbai- Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde resigned on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, under the intensifying pressure of opposition parties and the command of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His resignation comes with allegations against Munde’s close aide Walmik Karad in the case of the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

In his resignation letter, Munde claimed that health was the reason, but political analysts believe that Munde’s decision was influenced by the resurgence of outcry from citizens regarding Karad’s alleged involvement in the murder. For days now, his opponents had demanded his resignation, claiming that the case alleged against his aide was a moral breach.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said in a statement confirming the resignation: “I have accepted the resignation and have sent it to the Governor for further action.” He also mentioned that the resignation was requisite due to legal and moral implications arising from Munde’s connection with Karad.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar considered Munde’s resignation as a step based on moral grounds, stressing the necessity to maintain the dignity of the office. However, while not denying these charges outright, resignation appears to be meant in staving off further political turmoil and distancing the government from the scandal.

Local political upheaval surrounding the murder case will probably see a full-blown inquiry from the police into supposed links between Karad and the killing of Santosh Deshmukh, an important figure in the region. As investigations proceed, the resignation of Munde will arguably become a key factor to watch for shaping much of Maharashtra’s political storyline in the next couple of days.