Dhananjay Munde Challenges Accusations Regarding Maha Sarpanch Murder
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Synopsis
Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has challenged critics to provide evidence of his involvement in the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. He condemned the media portrayal and political maneuvering following the incident, asserting his commitment to social harmony and highlighting his achievements as a minister.
Key Takeaways
- Dhananjay Munde challenges critics regarding his alleged involvement in the murder.
- Calls for social harmony amidst media portrayal and political tactics.
- Advocates for severe punishment for Santosh Deshmukh's murderers.
- Highlights achievements in social justice and agriculture.
- Expresses gratitude for support from Ajit Pawar and the NCP.
Shirdi (Maharashtra), Jan 19 (NationPress) In the wake of mounting calls for his resignation linked to the heinous murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, allegedly connected to his aide Walmik Karad, Maharashtra Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Dhananjay Munde challenged both his critics and members from both ruling and opposition parties to present evidence of his alleged involvement, insisting that they cease their unfounded accusations.
"The killing of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district last December is profoundly tragic and unacceptable. From the onset, I have maintained that the perpetrators must face capital punishment. Crime transcends caste and religion. Nonetheless, there is a concerted effort to malign a community based on caste due to this incident. I am being targeted unjustly. I am not Abhimanyu; I am Arjun," he declared during his speech at the NCP's 'Navsankalp Shibir' event.
Although Munde was notably absent on the first day of the event, he made an appearance on Sunday to address the gathering.
"The media's portrayal following Santosh Deshmukh's murder, alongside the slander on social media and the political maneuvers by certain individuals, have jeopardized the social unity of Beed district. Our party is founded on the principles of Shiva, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, and it is imperative that everyone takes responsibility for fostering social harmony in Beed district.
"We are ordinary citizens engaged in agriculture, cultivating and harvesting sugarcane, and we work diligently in dry-land farming. If this defamation continues, with Mahashivratri approaching next month, we are concerned whether devotees will visit Prabhu Vaidyanath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. I earnestly request an end to the disparagement of Parli," Munde expressed, noting he had been omitted from the list of district guardian ministers revealed by the state government the previous Saturday.
Munde also expressed his gratitude to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with the entire party, for their support during the controversy.
“Since joining the NCP, I have consistently supported Ajit Pawar in all decisions. There have been numerous attempts to portray him negatively. We confronted these challenges head-on. Now, I find myself a target, under the guise of this tragic murder case in Beed district. I feel a deeper sorrow knowing that some leaders from MahaYuti are targeting me.
"Some individuals within the party are also misinforming Ajit Pawar. However, I remain cognizant of my responsibilities and the facts, and Ajit Pawar continues to stand by me and the party during these challenging times," he noted.
He further stated: "During my tenure as the Minister of Social Justice, I enacted significant reforms, including changing the caste-based names of villages and establishing the Sugarcane Workers Welfare Corporation. As the Agriculture Minister, I successfully secured crop insurance amounting to Rs 11,000 crore for farmers in one year, yet I still faced criticism. Those who accuse me fail to acknowledge my accomplishments."
