Opposition parties in Maharashtra, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), have expressed dissatisfaction with NCP leader Rupali Chakankar’s resignation as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission. They are calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the involvement of high-ranking ministers and influential individuals in the controversy surrounding her alleged links with a self-styled rape-accused ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat. Shiv Sena (UBT) has gone further to demand Chakankar’s arrest and to make her a co-accused in the case.
Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader, Sushama Andhare, welcomed Chakankar’s resignation but expressed regret that the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Tai, did not take a similar step. Andhare emphasized the need for assertive leadership and vowed to continue the fight, urging the arrest of Chakan residents as co-accused.
Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing it of suppressing the scandal involving the fraudulent godman Kharat. Wadettiwar called for action against the big fish involved in the case, expressing concern over Chakankar’s conduct as the former Chairperson of the State Commission for Women. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Wadettiwar raised suspicions of a cover-up and demanded scrutiny of the Call Detail Records (CDR) of key associates and Ministers linked to the accused Kharat. He alleged that Kharat’s wealth was amassed through the patronage of sitting ministers and criticized the police for allegedly protecting influential figures involved in the scandal.
