Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing scandal surrounding self-proclaimed spiritual figure Ashok Kharat, Rupali Chakankar, the head of Maharashtra's NCP women's wing, declared on Friday that she feels she is being specifically targeted due to her gender.

After resigning from her role as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission, Chakankar spoke to the media, stating, "My entire family adheres to the Warkari tradition, which is why we were associated with Kharat's trust. However, I was completely unaware of his questionable actions. Who can predict how someone will behave in the future? Numerous individuals have photos with Kharat, yet it saddens me that I am being singled out and blamed simply because I am a woman."

She emphasized that her connection to Ashok Kharat's trust stemmed from her family's deep-rooted affiliation with the Warkari tradition.

Chakankar acknowledged viewing Kharat and his wife as spiritual guides but pointed out that the videos circulating online are nearly six years old.

Notably, Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman from Nashik in northern Maharashtra, has already been apprehended on charges of sexual harassment and rape.

"The video of the Padya-pujan dates back five to six years. My husband and I participated in trust events out of spiritual devotion. At that time, we were completely unaware of his personal behavior or any potential misconduct. How can anyone foresee how a person will act years down the line?" Chakankar questioned.

She also mentioned that her official role as a director in Kharat's trust had already ended on August 8, 2025.

Defending her reputation, Chakankar stated that her resignation was a step towards ensuring a fair and transparent investigation into Kharat's allegations.

She confirmed that she has reached out to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Vasant Date, urging them to take decisive action.

"There is no way I could support Kharat's behavior. What has emerged is abhorrent and unacceptable. I have consulted with Sunetra Pawar to call for a thorough investigation. I want the truth unveiled with solid evidence," she added.

Responding to claims of negligence, Chakankar remarked, "On March 19, 2025, we received information regarding a pamphlet. Our counseling department had reached out to them and also sought details from the Superintendent of Police. However, the publisher later stated they had no information. Now, I am being falsely accused based on that incident."

She disclosed that she had recently received an email from a girl lodging a complaint against an employee in Kharat's office.

"Until that point, Kharat's name hadn't come up; the complaint was specifically against his staff member, and appropriate actions were taken," she stated.

Addressing the specific rumors circulating—such as claims made by some, including Shiv Sena-UBT Deputy leader Sushma Andhare, that Chakankar had severed her ring finger as part of a "black magic" or "hypnosis" ritual—the NCP leader dismissed these allegations as unfounded.

"A photo from September 2 is being shared to suggest I had an injury, but I did not suffer any such wound. I will be sending legal notices to those spreading false information aimed at tarnishing my reputation as a woman," Chakankar warned.

In her formal resignation letter, the NCP leader cited "personal reasons" for her departure but reaffirmed her commitment to justice during her press conference.

"The perpetrator in this situation will certainly face consequences. I am resigning from the position of Chairperson of the State Women's Commission to guarantee an unbiased investigation," she stated.

She concluded by announcing that she would soon hold a detailed press conference to present evidence and further clarify her stance.