The political drama surrounding the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed’s Massajog village has intensified, leaving Maharashtra’s political landscape unsettled. NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, a key ally of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is at the center of the controversy, especially following the arrest of his close associate Walmik Karad in an extortion case linked to Deshmukh’s murder. Despite growing pressure for his resignation from various quarters, including social organizations and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Munde has remained defiant, with Ajit Pawar steadfast in his support.

Munde, 49, a prominent leader from Beed district in Marathwada and a powerful figure among the OBC community, has faced sharp criticism for his involvement in the controversy. While Deshmukh, the murdered sarpanch, belonged to the Maratha community, Karad is a member of the Vanjari OBC community, to which Munde also belongs. The subsequent protests from different communities seeking justice for Deshmukh have placed Ajit Pawar in a delicate position. As a Maratha leader, Pawar is under scrutiny due to the caste dynamics and political repercussions of the case.

The simmering tension over caste-based reservations, amplified by the Maratha reservation agitation led by Manoj Jarange-Patil, has further deepened the political fault lines in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar, despite internal factionalism within the NCP, remains a dominant Maratha face in the state’s politics. However, his alliance with Munde has become crucial for maintaining OBC support, particularly in the Beed region, especially after sidelining senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal in party matters.

To remain neutral and avoid alienating either the Marathas or OBCs, Ajit Pawar has taken a wait-and-see approach regarding Munde’s future. He has emphasized that the decision on Munde’s continuation as a minister will depend on the outcome of the police investigation into the murder. However, some political analysts argue that this strategy may backfire. Ajit Pawar faced public protests in Massajog village last month when he visited the area, with residents accusing him of shielding Munde. This, according to party insiders, has sent a negative signal to his Maratha supporters.

The BJP, meanwhile, has seized the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, from Beed district, has been vocal in his campaign for justice for Deshmukh, frequently referring to “Karad’s aka” (Karad’s boss) to target Munde indirectly. The BJP sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with the Maratha community, which had drifted away from the party after the Maratha reservation protests. By positioning itself as a champion of justice for Deshmukh, the BJP hopes to regain support in the region, especially after losing ground to the NCP in the aftermath of the agitation.

Should Munde face resignation or action over the case, it would signal to the OBC community that Ajit Pawar is not able to protect his allies. This could undermine Pawar’s political capital, particularly in the Beed region where Munde has a strong base. However, should the situation escalate, there are concerns that Pankaja Munde, a BJP leader and sister of the late Gopinath Munde, could assert her influence over the Vanjari community, thus preventing the BJP from losing its support in Beed even if Dhananjay Munde steps down.

The growing friction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, particularly between Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde, also looms large over the situation. Shinde has refrained from commenting on the issue, but there are signs of tension between the two leaders. Shinde’s cautious approach is being interpreted as an indication of his growing discomfort with the internal discord within the NCP and the ongoing political chaos.

As the controversy surrounding the Beed sarpanch murder continues to unfold, it is becoming clear that the resolution of this case will be dictated not just by legal proceedings, but by the political maneuvering of Maharashtra’s key players. The case is likely to have lasting implications for the state’s politics, especially in terms of caste dynamics and party alliances.