Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Jaykumar Gore has lodged a breach of privilege motion against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar, and a digital media platform, alleging defamatory conduct.
The motion arises from accusations implicating Gore in misconduct, specifically harassment and the purported circulation of inappropriate images.
Addressing the Assembly, Gore asserted that despite a judicial directive mandating the destruction of relevant evidence, certain parties persist in disseminating information intended to tarnish his reputation. He urged legislative authorities to recognize the gravity of this coordinated effort to discredit a sitting minister and called for immediate remedial action.
Legislative Endorsement & Procedural Considerations
Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar endorsed the motion, advocating for its resolution within the ongoing legislative session. He further demanded procedural transparency, insisting that all pending breach of privilege motions be presented and addressed in a structured and accountable manner.
Gore, who serves as Maharashtra’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, has also signaled his intent to initiate legal proceedings for defamation against those responsible for the allegations.
Opposition’s Demand For Ministerial Accountability
The Opposition has intensified its criticism of Gore, demanding his resignation in light of the accusations. This development follows the resignation of NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, which has further exacerbated political tensions in Maharashtra.
Munde tendered his resignation on Tuesday, which was promptly accepted by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and forwarded to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Previously serving as Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Munde stepped down amid increasing scrutiny over his political and legal controversies.
Connection To The Beed Sarpanch Murder Case
Munde’s resignation is further complicated by his association with Walmik Karad, a close aide currently in judicial custody over an alleged ₹2 crore extortion case. The case is linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Beed district, raising concerns about the intersection of political influence and criminal activities.
Opposition’s Counteroffensive
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly criticized Munde’s initial appointment as a minister, arguing that it was a grave misstep. Speaking to the media, Raut claimed that Chief Minister Fadnavis personally compelled Munde to resign.
“He (Dhananjay) is fine, his health is completely okay. The Chief Minister himself called him and said that if you don’t resign, I will have to dismiss you. It was the biggest mistake to administer the oath of office to Dhananjay,” Raut stated.
NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar echoed these concerns, calling for an extensive investigation into the Beed sarpanch murder case and advocating for Munde’s formal inclusion as a co-accused in the First Information Report (FIR).
Broader Political Implications
As Maharashtra’s legislative assembly grapples with these unfolding controversies, the breach of privilege motion filed by Gore and the Opposition’s demands for increased scrutiny are expected to escalate tensions.
This political crisis underscores fundamental challenges regarding judicial oversight, legislative privileges, and the broader framework of governance and legal accountability.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
