The move comes amid intense political controversy over her alleged links to self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, who was recently arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape
Rupali Chakankar had faced growing political pressure over her alleged proximity to the accused, Ashok Kharat. FILE PIC
Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday submitted her resignation to Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, citing personal reasons. The move comes amid intense political controversy over her alleged links to self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, who was recently arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape.
In a letter to the CM, Chakankar wrote: “I respectfully request you to kindly accept my resignation from the post of Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women.”
She cited personal reasons for tendering her resignation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and conveyed full trust in the CM, hoping for continued cooperation in the future. The resignation will become effective only once formally accepted by the appointing authority.
The development comes shortly after Chakankar met CM Fadnavis in Mumbai and handed over a separate letter on behalf of the State Women’s Commission, urging a thorough and objective investigation into the Kharat case. Fadnavis reportedly asked her to step down from the post during the meeting.
In a tweet, she wrote: “On behalf of the State Women’s Commission, I handed over this letter to the Chief Minister, requesting a high-level inquiry to bring out the truth and ensure strict action against the accused.”
आज मुंबई येथे मुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय देवेंद्रजी फडणवीस साहेब यांची भेट घेतली.या पत्रात अशोक खरात महिला अत्याचार प्रकरणाचा सखोल व वस्तुनिष्ठ तपास व्हावा तसेच या प्रकरणाची उच्चस्तरीय चौकशी करत या प्रकरणातील सत्यता बाहेर यावी व आरोपीवर कठोर कारवाई व्हावी याबाबत त्यांना राज्य महिला… pic.twitter.com/ff9JgC9vrY
— Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026
Later, she submitted her resignation to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National President and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar.
'I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility'
She tweeted: “In light of allegations currently being made through various media, I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility so that a fair and transparent investigation can take place. Respected Sunetra Tai will take the appropriate decision.
आज राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाच्या राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्षा, आमच्या नेत्या तसेच राज्याच्या सन्माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय सुनेत्रावाहिनींकडे माझ्याकडे असलेल्या राज्य महिला आयोगाच्या अध्यक्षपदाचा राजीनामा सुपूर्द केला.सध्या विविध माध्यमातून होत असलेल्या आरोपांची निष्पक्ष आणि पारदर्शक… pic.twitter.com/rUuS7oPEWR
— Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026
The developments follow a major political uproar after Kharat’s arrest. Chakankar, who is also a trustee of Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, Nashik — where Kharat serves as president — faced criticism after photographs and videos surfaced showing her washing Kharat’s feet and holding an umbrella over him, acts widely criticised as reverential.
Opposition leaders across parties had demanded her immediate resignation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sushma Andhare and Sanjay Raut questioned who was “protecting” her, while social activist Anjali Damania warned of statewide agitation if she was not removed. NCP leader Rupali Thombare Patil alleged possible evidence tampering and called for her ouster on moral grounds.
Amid the political controversy, CM Fadnavis reportedly asked Chakankar to step down. He had earlier ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT), led by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Tejasvi Satpute, to probe allegations against Kharat.
Chakankar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating she was unaware of Kharat’s alleged crimes and describing the viral footage as politicised.
(With IANS inputs)
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