Dhananjay Munde Refutes Resignation Demands Following Beed Sarpanch Homicide

Mumbai, Jan 2 (NationPress) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Dhananjay Munde has firmly rejected opposition demands for his resignation in light of the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. Munde, responsible for the food, civil supply, and consumer protection portfolio, stated that he has no involvement in the crime and highlighted that the investigation is being carried out impartially by the CID.

"Why should I resign? I am neither an accused nor linked to this incident," Munde remarked after a state cabinet meeting and a discussion with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. "There must be some basis for such a demand. I have nothing to do with the case, so the opposition’s demand lacks substance," he continued.

Munde’s comments followed the surrender of his close associate Walmik Karad to the CID in Pune. Karad is wanted in an extortion case tied to Deshmukh’s murder and has been remanded to 14 days of police custody by the Kej court in Beed district.

The Minister reiterated that the police and CID are thoroughly investigating the matter. "The murder of Santosh Deshmukh is a serious crime, and those responsible should face a swift trial. I was the first to demand that this case be expedited and for the perpetrators to receive the harshest possible punishment, including the death penalty," he asserted.

In response to Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar’s vague suggestion of a "small boss" potentially being targeted to shield a "big boss," Munde dismissed the insinuation. "Wadettiwar is known for making pointed remarks, but I do not understand this talk of bosses. Who is being referred to, and on what basis?" he queried.

Munde rejected opposition claims that he should resign as Beed’s guardian minister, arguing that such calls are unfounded. "I am a Minister. Why shouldn’t I remain as the guardian Minister? The interests of the people of Beed are paramount, and our leadership will determine the best course of action," he stated.

He also took a jab at NCP legislator Prakash Solanke, who proposed that Munde serve as a minister without a portfolio. "Perhaps Solanke should outline a clear plan on how that would function. Decisions regarding the guardian ministership of Beed will be made by our leader Ajit Pawar," Munde quipped.

The government has announced a judicial commission to oversee the investigation alongside the CID’s efforts. Munde emphasized that his cabinet role does not influence the investigation. "The judicial commission and CID are working independently. My position as a Minister does not and will not interfere with the inquiry," he stated.

Despite the political turmoil, Munde stands resolute, labeling the opposition’s demands as politically motivated and lacking merit.