27 March,2026 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC. Pic/PTI
Shaina NC on Friday said that Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal should step down on moral grounds following a controversy over a viral video allegedly involving him, reported PTI.
The Shiv Sena leader clarified that her remark reflected her personal opinion, even as the issue has triggered a political storm in the state, reported PTI.
The controversy has intensified with opposition parties, including the Congress, demanding Zirwal's removal from the cabinet. They have alleged that the video shows the minister in a compromising situation at his official residence, raising questions over ethical conduct in public life.
Senior Congress leaders have described the incident as deeply concerning and have called for immediate action, stating that such controversies undermine public trust in governance.
Narhari Zirwal, who is associated with the Nationalist Congress Party, has strongly denied the allegations. He claimed that the video circulating on social media is doctored and part of an attempt to blackmail him.
The minister, who represents the Dindori assembly constituency in Nashik district and currently handles the Food and Drug Administration portfolio, has not indicated any intention to resign.
The controversy has also sparked political reactions suggesting internal tensions within the ruling coalition. The Shiv Sena and NCP are part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that the emergence of the video could be linked to infighting among ruling allies. He termed the situation a "gang war" within the government, warning that such developments reflect poorly on the state's political environment, reported PTI.
State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal also criticised the incident, calling it a serious breach of public trust and ethical standards expected from elected representatives, reported PTI.
Zirwal had already been in the spotlight last month following a corruption-related case involving officials in his department. The Anti-Corruption Bureau had arrested a clerk allegedly accepting a bribe inside Mantralaya, while another official linked to the minister was relieved of his post after a sting operation.
(With inputs from PTI)
