Dhananjay Munde Resigns: A Decision Driven by Health and Conscience
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Synopsis
Dhananjay Munde resigns from the Maharashtra cabinet citing health issues and personal conscience. He demands harsh punishment for those responsible for the murder of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, amidst rising criticism and political pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Dhananjay Munde resigns due to health issues.
- Calls for strict punishment for Beed Sarpanch's murderers.
- Resignation followed a critical meeting with state leaders.
- Government faces backlash over delayed action.
- Public outcry over the brutal murder continues.
Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) NCP legislator Dhananjay Munde announced on Tuesday his resignation from the Maharashtra cabinet, citing poor health and a decision guided by his conscience. He has also called for stringent penalties for those responsible for the murder of Beed Sarpanch.
In a post shared on X, Munde expressed in Marathi (translated), “Since day one, I have firmly demanded that the culprits behind the heinous murder of the late Santosh Deshmukh from Massajog in Beed district should receive the harshest punishment. The images released yesterday have left me profoundly affected. The investigation is concluded, and the charge sheet is now in court. A judicial inquiry is also planned. Following my conscience and considering my health, which has deteriorated recently, my doctor has recommended treatment in the coming days. Consequently, I have tendered my resignation to the Chief Minister for medical reasons.”
Munde's decision came after a directive from the Chief Minister and a lengthy two-hour meeting on Monday night at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar, alongside working president Praful Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare.
According to NCP insiders, CM Fadnavis suggested Munde resign to mitigate criticism from various groups, especially after graphic footage of the brutal murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh circulated widely. The Chief Minister has accepted Munde's resignation and forwarded it to the Governor for necessary action.
The opposition has criticized both the state government and Munde for his resignation occurring 82 days post the murder of Santosh Deshmukh.
Shiv Sena legislator Aditya Thackeray called for the dismissal of the BJP-led Mahayuti government for its negligence concerning the murder of Santosh Deshmukh. “The photos emerged yesterday; did they not reach the Chief Minister? Last night, the Chief Minister visited the Deputy Chief Minister's bungalow by car for a meeting. Why couldn't he have called them himself? Is he unaware?” he questioned.
NCP-SP legislator Jitendra Awhad asked, “If you were aware and the government possessed the photos, why the delay? What were you waiting for? Why the late response about the resignation? Was there external pressure?”
NCP-SP MP from Beed constituency Bajarang Sonawane, who has been vocal in demanding Munde’s resignation, stated that this decision should have been made much earlier. “It was distressing to witness the images of Santosh Deshmukh's murder. Munde should not have delayed his resignation,” he noted.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske stated in a post on X, “Walmik Karad, the mastermind behind the Sarpanch's murder, deserves the death penalty.”
Social activist Anjali Damania, who has been outspoken in calling for Munde’s resignation and has shared a series of posts related to the Sarpanch's murder, commented, “Today, the state government has done a significant service to the populace. In fact, they should have been ousted completely. The entire state was aware of the images that surfaced yesterday; everyone knew what was depicted. But it took three months? Everyone was aware of Walmik Karad's (Munde’s associate now under arrest) criminal history.”
