Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar has passed on the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, the state party’s women wing chief, as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action. Chakankar decided to step down from her post amid an investigation and controversy surrounding her alleged connections with a self-styled godman, Ashok Kharat, following the CM’s directive.
Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar confirmed receiving Chakankar’s resignation and highlighted her decision to resign in light of the ongoing investigation to ensure its impartiality and transparency. The resignation has been forwarded to the Chief Minister for necessary action. Chakankar expressed feeling targeted due to her gender and emphasized her family’s association with the Warkari tradition, which led to their connection with Kharat’s trust.
Chakankar clarified that her ties with Ashok Kharat’s trust were based on her family’s religious background and admitted to considering Kharat and his wife as spiritual mentors. She defended herself by stating that the circulating videos are old and that her family respected Kharat without knowledge of his alleged wrongdoings. She emphasized stepping down from her position to ensure a fair investigation and to prevent any doubts on the pursuit of justice.
The controversy arose following the arrest of Ashok Kharat, a spiritual leader accused of sexual exploitation and rape. Social media images showing Chakankar with Kharat triggered demands for her removal from her role as the head of the Women’s Commission, with opposition leaders alleging potential influence on the investigation. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations against Kharat, led by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute.
