Maharashtra Women’s Commission Chair Rupali Chakankar Resigns Amid Controversy

Mumbai, March 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Saturday forwarded the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, state party’s women wing chief and Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action.

Chakankar tendered her resignation following the Chief Minister’s directive on Friday, amid growing controversy surrounding her alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. Deputy CM Pawar confirmed the receipt of the resignation, noting that the decision was taken to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

In a post on X, Pawar stated, “I have received the resignation of Rupali Chakankar. In light of the current situation and the ongoing investigation, she has decided to step down from her post. To ensure that this investigation remains impartial and transparent, I am forwarding her resignation to the Honourable Chief Minister for further action.”

Chakankar addressed the media on Friday, asserting that she is being unfairly targeted because she is a woman. “My entire family follows the Warkari tradition, which is why we were connected to Kharat’s trust. However, I was unaware of his other side. How can anyone know what a person will do or how they will act in the future? Many people have photos with Kharat, but it hurts that I am being specifically targeted and accused because I am a woman,” she said.

Chakankar clarified that her involvement with Kharat’s trust stemmed from her family’s long-standing Warkari devotion. She admitted to considering Kharat and his wife as spiritual guides but emphasised that the videos circulating online are nearly six years old. She maintained that her family had respected Kharat as a spiritual figure without knowledge of his alleged criminal activities.

“I am stepping down to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. I do not want my official position to cast any shadow of doubt on the pursuit of justice,” Chakankar added.

The controversy erupted following the arrest of Kharat, a self-styled spiritual leader from Nashik, accused of sexual exploitation and rape by several women. Social media circulated photos and videos showing Chakankar in close proximity to Kharat, including clips of her performing rituals and washing his feet, further fuelling public scrutiny.

Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, intensified calls for her removal, arguing that her position as Women’s Commission Chair could influence the investigation. The Maharashtra government has already constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute, to probe the allegations against Kharat.

As the investigation unfolds, Chakankar’s resignation is seen as a step to maintain the integrity of the probe and ensure that no undue influence affects the case.