Mumbai, March 4, 2025Mumbai, March 4, 2025 Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Dhananjay Munde, has resigned from his post amid growing controversy surrounding the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The resignation, submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday through Munde’s private secretary Prashant Bhamre and Officer on Special Duty Prashant Joshi, marks a significant political development in the state.
Announcing Munde’s departure on the premises of the state legislature, CM Fadnavis confirmed that the resignation had been forwarded to the governor for further action.
Resignation Amid Escalating Political Turmoil
Munde’s exit comes as his close associate, Walmik Karad, has been named the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Santosh Deshmukh in December 2024. As Beed’s guardian minister and the MLA from Parli, Munde has been under intense scrutiny following the emergence of videos and screenshots linked to the case, which have gone viral on social media.
In a statement posted on X after submitting his resignation, Munde reiterated his demand for the harshest punishment for the accused. “From day one, I have insisted that those responsible for the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed should face the severest legal consequences. The recently surfaced images have deeply disturbed me,” he wrote.
He further cited health concerns as a contributing factor to his decision. “On the advice of my doctors, I will be undergoing medical treatment in the coming days. Considering my current condition and my personal discernment, I have decided to step down from my ministerial role,” he added.
Internal Discussions Precede Resignation
Munde’s resignation followed a high-level meeting between CM Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday night, during which the decision to seek his resignation was reportedly made. Pawar, who also serves as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), later held a separate discussion with Munde regarding his exit.
Opposition Calls for Action Against Munde
The resignation has not quelled criticism from the opposition, with leaders demanding further accountability. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray condemned the delay in Munde’s removal, asserting that the government had failed to ensure justice for Deshmukh’s family. “This government has no moral standing. It should be dismissed immediately,” Thackeray said.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut went a step further, demanding that Munde be formally charged in connection with the case. Meanwhile, Beed MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar emphasized the public outrage, stating, “The people of Beed have called for a bandh in protest. If the extortion meeting was held at Munde’s official residence, he should be named a co-accused in the case.”
As political tensions escalate, the Maharashtra government now faces mounting pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
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