Under fire over links with rape accused godman, Maharashtra women’s panel chief quits

Maharashtra women's panel chief resigns amid controversy over ties to rape-accused godman, facing political pressure and public backlash.

Facing flak over her association with rape-accused ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat, Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday (March 20, 2026) tendered her resignation, after being asked to step down from her position by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sources confirmed to The Hindu. She was called to ‘Varsha’, the official residence of the Chief Minister, on Friday (March 20, 2026). The women’s panel chief was slated to meet Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Friday (March 20, 2026) night to give an explanation and to thereafter tender her resignation.

“We told her that on moral grounds, it did not fare well to hold the position anymore. She will meet Sunetra Pawar, and will put forth her side. After she tenders her resignation to Suentra Vahini, the party will decide what is to be done with it,” a senior NCP leader told The Hindu.

Opposition took a swipe at the Mahayuti over the alleged lack of coordination and the BJP’s alleged efforts to centralise power.

Rupali Chakankar said she was being targeted because she is a woman. She added that the video showing her washing the feet of Ashok Kharat was five-six years old. “Our family had considered the Kharat couple as our gurus. It was taken on Guru Paurnima. One cannot know how the person will behave in the future. I was myself shocked by the incident. 

She justified all her previous actions, saying wrong news was being spread about her. She said she had sought strong action in the matter. “I have tendered my resignation to Sunetra Pawar. She will take a call on it,” she said while speaking with reporters in Pune.

The step was taken after Ms Chakankar’s name was associated with self-proclaimed godman and numerologist Ashok Kharat, who is accused of allegedly raping and blackmailing several women. He is currently under arrest. Ms Chakankar’s photos and videos showing her washing his feet and holding an umbrella for him had gone viral on social media. She and a few of her party members had said that irrespective of the videos and photos, impartial probe should be conducted in the matter. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam too had jumped into the controversy, saying that public leaders do not always know the background of the people they are photographed and videographed with in public.