Nagpur, March 4: Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde on Tuesday stated that her cousin, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde, should have stepped down earlier in response to the controversy surrounding the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed district.
Dhananjay Munde, who served as Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, submitted his resignation on Tuesday, just days after his close associate Walmik Karad was identified as the prime accused in the brutal killing of Deshmukh. The incident, which occurred on December 9 last year, involved the abduction, torture, and subsequent murder of the sarpanch, reportedly over his efforts to prevent an extortion attempt aimed at an energy company in the district.
Speaking to reporters during an event in Nagpur, Pankaja Munde welcomed her cousin's resignation but emphasized that earlier action would have allowed him a more dignified exit from the crisis.
The BJP minister added that she was not aware of any specific statements made by Dhananjay regarding his resignation but highlighted the emotional strain such controversies place on families.
Expressing sympathy towards the victim's family, Pankaja Munde said, "When we take up a post, we should think of every person of the state as equal. The decision to resign is nothing compared to the pain and suffering of the Deshmukh family. He (Dhananjay Munde) has made the right decision. Better late than never."
The opposition intensified their demands for Dhananjay Munde’s resignation after graphic photographs and details from the police chargesheet surfaced, revealing the extent of brutality involved in the crime.
This resignation has brought renewed attention to the murder investigation, highlighting the political ramifications of violent crimes and their association with state leaders.
