Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accepted the resignation of NCP MLA and Minister Dhananjay Munde and has forwarded it to the Governor for further action. This move follows growing pressure over Munde’s alleged connections to a key suspect in the Beed Sarpanch murder case.
Fadnavis stated:
“Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has tendered his resignation today. I have accepted the resignation and sent it to the Governor for further course of action.”
According to sources, CM Fadnavis had asked Munde to step down amid rising demands for accountability and transparency.
Background: The Beed Sarpanch Murder Case
The resignation comes in the wake of the arrest of Walmik Karad, a close aide of Dhananjay Munde, who was sent to judicial custody in January. Karad is the prime suspect in a ₹2 crore extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district.
Deshmukh was murdered on December 9 after he reportedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the village. Disturbing details emerged, including a purported video of the incident in which the accused allegedly urinated on Deshmukh’s half-dead body.
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT):
Criticized the government for allegedly shielding Munde for a prolonged period.- “High time. Shame that Munde was allowed to continue, was defended, was protected by the government till date. Truth can’t be hidden, and yesterday, with the images emerging of the way Santosh Deshmukh was murdered, it was people’s outrage that forced government’s hand,” she posted on X.
- Saran Patel (Congress):
Shared a report on X highlighting the brutal nature of Deshmukh’s murder and alleged links between the mastermind Walmik Karad and Dhananjay Munde.- “Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh’s brutal murder has shocked Maharashtra. The mastermind behind this murder, Walmik Karad, is a business partner and close aide of Maharashtra government’s minister Dhananjay Munde,” Patel claimed.
CM Fadnavis’ Stand on the Murder Case
In January, CM Devendra Fadnavis had assured that no accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, emphasizing a non-political approach to the investigation.
Fadnavis stated:
“We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh’s brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished.”
He further added:
“I have said earlier as well that if anyone has evidence against any individual, they should provide it to us. My priority is to ensure that Santosh Deshmukh’s murderer is punished. Our role is clear—justice must be served for Santosh Deshmukh.”
Implications and Next Steps
The resignation of Dhananjay Munde is seen as a move to reduce political pressure on the Maharashtra government and to signal a strong stance against corruption and criminal associations. However, opposition parties continue to demand a full investigation and accountability for all those involved in the Beed murder case.
Governor’s response to the resignation and the progress of the investigation into the murder and extortion case will be closely watched in the coming days.
Key Points of the Controversy:
- Murder and Extortion Allegations:
- Santosh Deshmukh’s murder linked to extortion demands on an energy firm.
- Walmik Karad‘s involvement and connection to Dhananjay Munde.
- Political Pressure:
- Opposition’s demands for accountability and transparency.
- Criticism of Maharashtra government for allegedly protecting Munde.
- Government’s Position:
- CM Fadnavis’ assurance of a fair investigation without political bias.
- Acceptance of Munde’s resignation seen as a damage control measure.