Rupali Chakankar resigned on Friday as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women after facing criticism over her association with rape-accused ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat. Chakankar, who also heads the NCP women’s wing, submitted her resignation to deputy chief minister and party president Sunetra Pawar. ADVERTISEMENTSources said she met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier in the evening, following which she was asked to step down, reported PTI. In her resignation letter addressed to Fadnavis, Chakankar said she was stepping down from the post with immediate effect. Sources said chief minister Fadnavis had taken cognisance of the case two weeks ago and directed strict action against Kharat.

Source: The Telegraph March 20, 2026 21:21 UTC