Rupali Chakankar, a leader from the Nationalist Congress Party, has resigned as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. The move follows backlash linked to the Nashik case involving Captain Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused in a women’s atrocity matter.
Resignation Submitted to Chief Minister
Chakankar submitted her resignation letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, citing personal reasons for stepping down voluntarily. Appointed to the role on October 15, 2024, she expressed gratitude in the letter for the trust and support from the Chief Minister and his colleagues.
“I am deeply grateful to you and all your colleagues for the trust you have shown in me and for your cooperation. I am confident that you will continue to provide such support in the future as well. However, I humbly request you to accept my resignation from the post of Chairperson, State Women’s Commission,” the letter states.
Meetings with Key Officials
Chakankar met Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to discuss her resignation. In a post on X, she explained the decision stemmed from ongoing media allegations, emphasizing moral responsibility to allow a fair and transparent investigation. “Respected Sunetra Tai will take the appropriate decision,” she added.
Earlier that day, she met Police Director General Sadanand Date in Mumbai and handed over a letter from the commission. The letter demands a thorough, impartial probe into the Ashok Kharat case, a high-level inquiry, and strict action against the accused.
In a related post on X, Chakankar wrote: “Today in Mumbai, we met Police Director General Sadanand Date and handed him a letter on behalf of the State Women’s Commission. In this letter, we urged that a thorough and objective investigation be conducted into the Ashok Kharat women’s atrocity case, and that a high-level inquiry be carried out so that the truth in this case comes to light and action is taken against the accused.”
Opposition Reaction
On March 18, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare criticized Chakankar, labeling her a “total liar” and claiming she was well aware of Kharat’s character. Andhare welcomed the resignation but expressed regret that Sunetra Pawar, the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president, did not assume the role earlier.
