Rupali Chakankar Resigns as State Women’s Commission Chief Amid Row Over Links to Godman
Pune, 20th March 2026 : Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Chakankar on Friday resigned as chairperson of the State Women’s Commission following a controversy over her alleged links with a Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accused in a sexual assault case.
In her resignation letter submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chakankar cited “personal reasons” for stepping down. She had been serving as State women commission chief since October 15, 2024.
The development came amid mounting political pressure on the state government, with demands for her removal growing in recent days. Chakankar is learnt to have stayed away from office since March 18 and had remained out of contact with commission officials.
The controversy erupted after photographs of Chakankar with Ashok Kharat surfaced on social media. Kharat, who was recently arrested in connection with a sexual assault case, is under investigation for allegedly exploiting multiple women over the past few years. Police have indicated that more victims may come forward.
Chakankar, reportedly a follower of Kharat, had allegedly visited him frequently and attended several family functions. Images showing her performing some rituals reportedly linked to black magic related activities, washing his feet and holding an umbrella for him, were widely circulated online, drawing criticism from various quarters.
NCP leader Rupali Thombare also claimed that Chakankar was associated with a trust run by Kharat in Nashik. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare alleged that Chakankar had links to occult practices and had intimidated victims to deter them from filing complaints.
