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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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
