CM Asks Rupali Chakankar to Resign as State Women’s Commission Chief Amid Storm Over Ties With Ashok Kharat

Pune, 20th March 2026: Senior NCP leader and chairperson of the state women’s commission Rupali Chakankar has been asked to step down from her post by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, amid mounting controversy over her alleged links with a self-styled godman.

According to sources, Chakankar has not attended office since March 18 and has remained incommunicado with the commission’s team, while her social media accounts have been managed by her personal staff.

The controversy erupted after photographs of Chakankar with Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat surfaced on social media. Kharat was arrested following a complaint of sexual assault, with the investigation indicating that multiple women may have been assaulted over the past few years. Police have said more victims are likely to come forward.

Chakankar, who is said to be a follower of Kharat, had allegedly visited him frequently and attended several of his family functions. Her photographs with Kharat in which she is seen washing his feet and holding an umbrella for him have been widely circulated on social media platforms.

NCP leader Rupali Thombare has also claimed that Chakankar was a member of a trust run by Kharat in Nashik.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare alleged that Chakankar was involved in black magic practices along with Kharat and had threatened several victims to prevent them from filing complaints.

Following the controversy, activists and political leaders had been demanding Chakankar’s resignation, intensifying pressure on the state government.