Mumbai, Mar 2 — Karuna Sharma-Munde, the estranged first wife of Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde, has revealed that senior political leaders have called for Munde's resignation, which is expected to be announced before the upcoming budget session of the state legislature.
The 13-day budget session is set to begin on Monday.
Munde, who has been embroiled in controversy, faces increasing scrutiny from the opposition after his aide, Walmik Karad, was arrested in connection with an extortion case tied to the December 2023 murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
In an interview with a Marathi news channel, Sharma stated, “According to my sources, Munde's resignation was sought two days ago, and it is expected that he will be asked to step down before the session begins.”
She also referenced Munde's previous statement in which he had declared that he would resign if Karad, his close associate, was found guilty in the case.
Karad is allegedly implicated in a bid to extort money from a wind energy company, with reports from the police indicating he directed other accused individuals to eliminate anyone standing in the way of his criminal activities. This information was revealed in the chargesheet filed as part of the investigation into Deshmukh's murder.
Sharma further added, "With Karad’s name now appearing in the chargesheet, there is no excuse left for Munde. For moral or legal reasons, he will have to resign."
When approached for comment, Minister Munde confirmed that he would attend the state cabinet meeting scheduled later in the day.
The political pressure on Munde continues to build, and his fate remains uncertain as the state legislature prepares for the critical budget session.
The 13-day budget session is set to begin on Monday.
Munde, who has been embroiled in controversy, faces increasing scrutiny from the opposition after his aide, Walmik Karad, was arrested in connection with an extortion case tied to the December 2023 murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
In an interview with a Marathi news channel, Sharma stated, “According to my sources, Munde's resignation was sought two days ago, and it is expected that he will be asked to step down before the session begins.”
She also referenced Munde's previous statement in which he had declared that he would resign if Karad, his close associate, was found guilty in the case.
Karad is allegedly implicated in a bid to extort money from a wind energy company, with reports from the police indicating he directed other accused individuals to eliminate anyone standing in the way of his criminal activities. This information was revealed in the chargesheet filed as part of the investigation into Deshmukh's murder.
Sharma further added, "With Karad’s name now appearing in the chargesheet, there is no excuse left for Munde. For moral or legal reasons, he will have to resign."
When approached for comment, Minister Munde confirmed that he would attend the state cabinet meeting scheduled later in the day.
The political pressure on Munde continues to build, and his fate remains uncertain as the state legislature prepares for the critical budget session.
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