CM Fadnavis says decision on Munde’s resignation will be taken by Ajit Pawar
DyCM warns of invoking MCOCA against extortionists
3 min read
Pawar has already stated that Munde will not be asked to resign unless there is evidence linking him to Karad’s actions in the ongoing investigation into Deshmukh’s murder.
A day after Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde offered to resign if directed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis on Thursday said that any official decision regarding Munde’s resignation would be taken by Pawar, even as the deputy CM warned of invoking Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against extortionists.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Fadnavis said, “Dhananjay Munde is a minister in my cabinet. We both can meet anytime. As far as the demand for his resignation is concerned, Ajit Pawar has already clarified the stand. The position taken by Ajit Pawar will be official one.”
On Tuesday, Munde left a Cabinet meeting mid-way, declining to comment on the growing demand for his resignation following the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed. Munde’s close associate, Walmik Karad, has been arrested in connection with the case and is booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
Pawar has already stated that Munde will not be asked to resign unless there is evidence linking him to Karad’s actions in the ongoing investigation into Deshmukh’s murder.
On Thursday, during his visit to Beed, Pawar issued a strong warning to party workers, emphasising that anyone involved in extortion during development projects would face action under MCOCA. He also addressed the growing trend of individuals firing guns for show or posting videos of themselves with revolvers, warning that any such behaviour would lead to the cancellation of revolver licences.
“Beed is constantly in the news (due to the killing of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh). No one should believe in rumors. Action will be taken wherever there is any truth. At the same time, no one should try to extort money from anyone while doing development work. If such things come to my notice, I will not hesitate to impose MCOCA. For this, I will take an extreme stance. I will also look at the government officers here, some of them have been here for many years. While doing this, I will not make any discrimination,” said Pawar.
Condemning the reckless use of firearms for social media stunts, the deputy CM said, “We see that sometimes it is shown on TV that someone shoots in the air with a revolver, someone walks around with a revolver on their waist. I am going to tell police that whoever does such things should have their revolver licence cancelled. Revolvers are for your protection. Therefore, I will not tolerate reels that you make.”
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