The Impressive TimesMaharashtra : Maharashtra state minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned from his post amid a growing controversy over the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. On Tuesday, Munde submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through his private secretary Prashant Bhamre and officer on special duty Prashant Joshi. The announcement was made by CM Fadnavis at the premises of the state legislature, confirming that Munde had been relieved of his responsibilities as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies. The resignation has now been forwarded to the governor for further processing.
The controversy surrounding Munde stems from his alleged links to Walmik Karad, the key accused in the sarpanch’s murder. Karad, a close aide of Munde, has been identified as the mastermind behind the killing, which took place in December 2024. The gruesome murder has sparked widespread outrage, and as details of the crime surfaced, pressure mounted on the Maharashtra government to take action.
Munde, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), represented the Parli constituency in Beed and was also the guardian minister of the district. His close political ties within the region made the controversy even more significant, as opposition parties and activists demanded accountability. The case took a dramatic turn when videos and screenshots related to the murder began circulating online. These visuals, which allegedly linked Munde’s associates to the crime, quickly went viral, further intensifying the political firestorm.
The Opposition, including the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT), seized the opportunity to attack the ruling government. Leaders from these parties accused Munde of shielding his associates and called for a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement. They argued that a fair probe would be difficult as long as Munde held office, increasing the demand for his resignation. Under mounting pressure, CM Fadnavis and the Maharashtra BJP-NCP government had to take swift action to control the political damage.
Munde’s resignation marks a significant political development in Maharashtra, as he was considered an influential figure in the state’s power corridors. His departure from the cabinet raises questions about the political stability of the ruling coalition and the impact it may have on the upcoming elections. With the case still under investigation, the focus will now shift to the legal proceedings and whether more revelations emerge regarding the alleged involvement of political figures in the sarpanch’s murder.
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