The main accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case is a minister close to Valmik Karad. Dhananjay Munde, embroiled in controversy, saw his resignation accepted following the viral images of Deshmukh’s murder, which triggered widespread anger. However, now another minister from the Mahayuti alliance government is under scrutiny for a separate issue. The minister has been accused of sending a nude photo to a woman, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated, “A wrestler from the state, who works out daily, sends a nude photo to a woman. The minister is from Western Maharashtra. He spent 10 days in jail, but then he apologises to the court and pays a fine of Rs 10,000. Despite this, he continues to harass the woman. It is shameful that a minister who sent such a photo remains in the cabinet. The list of such corrupt ministers in Maharashtra is increasing.”
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also directly targeted the government, naming State Rural Development Minister and BJP leader Jaykumar Gore. He pointed out that similar incidents, like the Swargate controversy, have surfaced about Gore. A woman from the family of Shiv-era general Hambirrao Mohite has accused Gore of harassment and molestation. The woman is planning to go on a hunger strike in front of the Vidhan Bhavan in protest. Raut criticized Fadnavis for his handling of the situation and stated that the revelations about Jayakumar Gore are tarnishing Maharashtra’s reputation.
Raut added, “With such ministers in the cabinet, Fadnavis should take stock and remove them. The state deserves better leaders.”
Social activist Anjali Damania questioned why there aren’t better people to represent the state, criticizing the government for filling the cabinet with such individuals.