Maha mantri quits over woman’s suicide

Sena’s Rathod first to resign from MVA govt after row over social media star’s death

After intense pressure from all quarters, Maharashtra forest minister Sanjay Rathod of the Shiv Sena resigned from the state Cabinet on the eve of the Maharashtra legislature’s budget session on Sunday over the death of social media star Pooja

Chavan. He is the first minister to quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in its 15-month rule.

Mr Rathod met chief minister Uddhav Thackeray at Varsha, the CM’s official residence, and tendered his resignation. He blamed the politics played by the BJP on Pooja Chavan’s death for his decision to quit.

“There was politics being played out on the issue; the manner in which the Opposition said they will not let session proceedings happen, therefore I have stepped down. I want the probe should be unfair and impartial, and the truth should come out,” he said after his resignation.

He added: “In an unfortunate incident a young girl from our Banjara community died, and taking advantage, the Opposition BJP through the media and social media tried to destroy my political career. Whatever I did in my 30 years in the political and social field have been destroyed by the Opposition. Now the truth

should come out through an impartial probe.”

Pooja Chavan allegedly ended her life by jumping off a building in Pune on February 8. Mr Rathod is a four-time MLA and a strong leader from the Vidarbha region.

According to sources, the minister had requested the CM not to accept his resignation until the inquiry is completed. Mr Thackeray, however, did not budge as he was apparently livid over Mr Rathod’s show of strength at Pohradevi temple in Washim earlier this week, violating the Covid-19 guidelines.

Mr Thackeray said that “dirty politics was being done to ruin someone’s political life”. He said: “Rathod has given his resignation. It is our responsibility to be just. We have directed an impartial probe in this.”