Kharat controversy fallout: Women’s Commission chief Chakankar submits resignation after CM Fadnavis asks her to step down

Following the meeting with the DGP, she visited CM Fadnavis seeking a fair probe, where she was instructed by the CM to resign. Chakankar submitted her resignation to Fadnavis and later held a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar at the latter’s official residence Devgiri.

This is the second instance in the tripartite Mahayuti government where an NCP leader has resigned from an official position after being instructed by CM Fadnavis. Last year, NCP minister Dhananjay Munde had resigned from the cabinet due to controversy over the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

The controversy erupted after the arrest of Ashok Kharat, who heads a Sinnar-based trust where Chakankar is a trustee. As the case grew in scale, the state government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute. Police have also seized a pen drive allegedly containing at least 58 explicit video recordings, adding to the seriousness of the case.

The issue intensified after photos surfaced showing Chakankar with Kharat, including one where she is seen holding an umbrella over him and another where she is allegedly performing a ritual. She has also been accused of threatening a local reporter who had earlier exposed Kharat. Chakankar has not responded in detail but said she will speak on the allegations with evidence.

Earlier on Friday, ruling NCP working president Praful Patel had hinted action against her. Describing the Kharat case as extremely serious and disgusting, Patel said stringent action will be taken against those found guilty. “This matter is extremely serious. The individual concerned has been arrested, and the Maharashtra government will take further strict action. Immediate action must also be taken against anyone whose name surfaces during the investigation,” he said.

He further noted that while names of political leaders are being mentioned, it is not right to level allegations against anyone solely based on viral photos. “In public life, one must consider who they associate with. However, drawing conclusions based only on photographs is incorrect,” Patel said. He added that internal party discussions are underway and that senior leaders, including National President Sunetra Pawar, will be consulted.

Patel’s reaction came after NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Friday morning refused to comment on the issue. After facing the heat, he said by evening, “While navigating public life, everyone comes into contact with numerous individuals as well as institutions. Often, the nature of these contacts is not necessarily direct. However, this does not mean that a person committing a criminal act will be shielded.”

Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Sushma Andhare, social activist Anjali Damania and NCP’s Rupali Thombre have accused Chakankar of indulging in black magic rituals and protecting an individual who was involved in committing atrocities against women.

Who is Rupali Chakankar

Chakankar, 43, comes from a farmer’s family in Daund and entered politics after marriage into a politically active family. She began with grassroots work through self-help groups when her mother-in-law was a corporator in Pune.

She joined the NCP women’s wing in 2008 and rose steadily. In July 2019, after Chitra Wagh left the party, she was appointed state president of the NCP women’s wing.

In October 2021, she was appointed Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, and was reappointed in October 2024 after aligning with the Ajit Pawar faction following the NCP split.