Mushrif now guardian minister of Nandurbar

Kolhapur: State medical education minister Hasan Mushrif on Thursday said he will assume charge as guardian minister of Nandurbar — a post vacant since Dec after minister Manikrao Kokate resigned — till a permanent appointment is made.The NCP had suggested two names to state govt — Chhagan Bhujbal and Mushrif. According to sources, Bhujbal refused to take the charge following which deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar and NCP state president Sunil Tatkare urged Mushrif to become the guardian minister of Nandurbar. After Mahayuti came to power, Mushrif was made guardian minister of Washim. However, he decided to not go and urged the then deputy CM Ajit Pawar not to force him as Washim is a distant place and he will not be able to do justice to the responsibility.Later, Dattatray Bharane was made the guardian minister of Washim. Nandurbar is also a distant place for Mushrif given he assumes several responsibilities in Kolhapur district. Speaking to TOI, Mushrif said, "The party leadership has urged me to take Nandurbar's responsibility. However, I am of the opinion that one cannot do justice to the role if the place is distantly located. Washim was also distant. I had urged Ajit Pawar and I was relieved from the charge. However this time around, till a permanent appointment is not made, I will assume the charge."