MUMBAI: An all-party delegation, led by ex-MP Sambhaji Raje, will Monday meet governor C P Radhakrishnan to express concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Marathwada’s Beed following Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh’s murder, and press for dismissal of food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde, leader of opposition Ambadas Danve said.
Many legislators have alleged that main accused in the case, Beed strongman Walmik Karad, is associated with Munde. Raje is pressing for Munde’s ouster from the cabinet since the murder.
Local BJP legislator Suresh Dhas, who was vocal on the issue during the winter session of the state legislature, has endorsed this demand. He is expected to be part of the delegation that will meet the governor. The call for dismissal has come from within Munde’s own party, too, from MLA Prakash Solanke, as well as from NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad and Sandeep Kshirsagar.
Massive protests have erupted across Marathwada demanding Munde’s resignation. Calling the demand for his resignation politically motivated, the NCP minister said he is not even remotely associated with Karad.
After an uproar in both Houses of the legislature, Fadnavis had entrusted the probe to CID and set up a SIT. He had assured both Houses that no one would be spared and stern action would be taken against all found guilty. All main accused have been arrested.
NCP chief and deputy CM Ajit Pawar distanced himself from the volatile situation – he has not reacted to the demand for Munde’s ouster and has also not visited Beed since the murder.
