The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog in Kej taluka, Beed district, has sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra. Following this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded the resignation of Dhananjay Munde. In response, Munde, through his PA Prashant Joshi, tendered his resignation without appearing before the house on Tuesday, March 4.
Fadnavis said, "Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has tendered his resignation, which I have accepted. It has been sent to the Governor for further action." The announcement came after a meeting at CM Fadnavis’ Sagar bungalow, where Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel were present. Sources say Dhananjay Munde was also in attendance, and the meeting lasted approximately one and a half to two hours. Munde's resignation letter was reportedly written overnight.
The decision follows growing public anger after images of Santosh Deshmukh's murder surfaced on social media. Chief Minister Fadnavis held discussions with Minister Munde yesterday, during which he reportedly insisted that Munde resign. As a result, Munde resigned from his position on Tuesday.
In Beed, locals have called for a district bandh in protest. The gruesome murder has generated intense anger online, and despite appeals for calm from the police, the situation remains tense. Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence in anticipation of potential unrest during the Beed bandh.