Chakankar's resignation not enough, thorough probe and action against 'big fish' needed: Cong leader
Mumbai (PTI): A day after Rupali Chakankar quit as Maharashtra women's commission chief over her links with a rape-accused 'godman', Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the "big fish" associated with the accused.
He alleged that attempts were underway to shield the influential people linked to the self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested earlier this week in Nashik.
Facing flak from opposition parties over her association with Kharat, Chakankar tendered her resignation as the Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Friday.
Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said Chakankar's resignation alone was not enough, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the entire episode, including the alleged links of ministers and other individuals.
"The resignation has been given, but action must also be taken against the big fish involved. There are efforts to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police during the probe," he claimed.
Wadettiwar said Chakankar, as the head of the state women's panel, was expected to uphold the dignity and rights of women, but her alleged association with the 'godman' raised serious concerns.
He further demanded that the call detail records (CDRs) of all those in contact with Kharat, including ministers and other close associates, be examined.
"Given the enormous wealth and patronage enjoyed by Kharat, it appears there is an attempt to shield certain individuals," he alleged.
Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as "captain", had several political leaders visit him over the years. He was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
The Congress Legislature Party leader also criticised the state government, accusing it of failing to address the issues concerning citizens and allowing "superstition-driven practices" to flourish.
Meanwhile, commenting on the political developments in Satara, where the BJP bagged the posts of Zilla Parishad president and vice president, Wadettiwar alleged that despite not having a majority, leaders aligned with Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai faced internal sabotage, reflecting discord within the ruling alliance.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
