Maharashtra Govt Faces Heat: Minister's Video, Godman Scandal Rock Mahayuti
Opposition demands action after video surfaces, godman faces new charges.
Top Summary
- What happened: An objectionable video of Minister Narhari Zhirwal allegedly with a transgender went viral, and a new case was filed against Ashok Kharat.
- Why it matters: These incidents raise questions about the ethical standards within the ruling Mahayuti government and could impact its stability.
- What changes for people: Public trust in government officials is eroded, and there are calls for accountability and resignations.
- Who is affected: Maharashtra's citizens, Minister Narhari Zhirwal, self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, and the Mahayuti government.
Opposition Demands Minister's Sacking
The opposition in Maharashtra is mounting pressure on the Mahayuti government following two significant controversies. These include an objectionable video involving Minister Narhari Zhirwal and further evidence against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.
The opposition is demanding Minister Zhirwal be immediately sacked from the cabinet.
New Case Filed Against Ashok Kharat
Another case has been registered against Ashok Kharat, bringing the total number of cases against him to eight. He is accused of cheating and instilling fear of death.
A Pune-based businessman, Rajendra Jasud, filed a complaint alleging Kharat manipulated and extorted him. He claims Kharat extorted money and foreign trips to 21 countries from 2018 to 2025, promising divine powers to avert death by snakebite and bring success.
Police state the survivor funded trips and made financial transactions believing it would bring success, but it did not happen. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, is investigating all cases.
Controversy Surrounding Minister Zhirwal
An objectionable video of Narhari Zhirwal, the state’s Food and Drug Administration Minister, has gone viral. The video allegedly shows him in a compromising position with a transgender person at his official residence.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal stated that the video highlights the moral decline in Maharashtra politics. He demanded Zirwal's resignation.
"The objectionable video is not just an isolated incident; it reflects the moral decline in Maharashtra’s politics," said Mr. Sapkal.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called the video an outcome of internal conflict within the Mahayuti alliance.
Ashok Kharat's Scandal and Political Fallout
The Ashok Kharat scandal has already led to the resignation of Rupali Chakankar from her position as the chief of Maharashtra women's panel. Her name emerged in connection with the Kharat matter.
Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the involvement of ministers and officials with Kharat. He described Kharat as "Bhondubaba" and accused him of sexually exploiting women.
"Dozens of ministers and senior officials are involved in the Bhondubaba case, but the most shameful thing is that the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, Chakankar, had relations with Bhondubaba, who sexually exploits women," said Mr. Sapkal.
On March 18, Kharat was arrested on rape charges after a woman accused him of sexual assault over three years. He has also been accused of black magic and human sacrifice.
The Income Tax department is probing financial trails related to Kharat.
Social Activists and Reactions
Social activist Anjali Damania suggested the video involving Minister Zirwal appears to be an attempt at blackmail and requires investigation.
Sambhaji Brigade has demanded that Ashok Kharat be shot dead.
What to Watch Next
The SIT investigation into Ashok Kharat's cases is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge. The Mahayuti government will face increasing pressure to address the allegations against Minister Zhirwal and take appropriate action, including the possibility of his resignation or removal from the cabinet.