Shiv Sena (UBT) Women’s Wing Stages Protest in Pune, Demands Resignation of State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar

Pune, 31st October 2025: Members of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Women’s Wing staged a strong protest in Pune on Thursday, demanding the immediate resignation of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged “insensitive and derogatory remarks” regarding a woman who had died by suicide.

The protest took place outside Chakankar’s local office on Dhayari Garmal Main Road and simultaneously at Dhayari Phata. Party members accused her of failing to uphold the dignity of women despite holding a constitutional position meant to safeguard their rights.

“Rupali Chakankar has lost all moral authority to continue as the chairperson of the Women’s Commission. Instead of showing empathy, she has insulted a woman who ended her life. Her statements are disgraceful and unbecoming of someone in her position,” said Shiv Sena Women’s Wing leader Rekha Konde during the protest.

Protesters carried placards and raised slogans such as “Mahila Aayog Chairperson or Insult Commission?” and “Rupali Chakankar, Resign Now!” The atmosphere grew charged as women party workers and Yuva Sena activists participated in large numbers.

“The Women’s Commission is meant to protect and uphold women’s dignity, not to humiliate them,” Konde added. “Chakankar has proven that she represents political power, not women’s voices. She must step down immediately.”

The Women’s Wing also declared that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would continue its agitation until Chakankar resigns. “Women will not forgive anyone who insults their dignity — and Shiv Sena will not remain silent,” the group asserted.

Among those present at the protest were Jyoti Chandre, Amrit Pathare, Rekha Konde, Swati Kathalkar, Jayashree Bhange, Vidya Hode, Nikita Martkar, Saroj Karvekar, Sunita Khandalkar, Chhaya Bhosale, Snehal Patole, Savita Dagade, Amruta Shinde, Madhuri Tupe, Karuna Ghadge, Vaishali Darwatkar, Mrunmayee Limaye, Vijaya Mohite, Sangeeta Naik, Gauri Chavan, Varsha Khalse, Neha Kulkarni, Naz Inamdar, Kavita Konde, and Madhavi Hegde, along with several other women office bearers.