Here’s the rewritten version:

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde Resigns Amid Beed Sarpanch Murder Controversy

Maharashtra state minister Dhananjay Munde resigned on Tuesday, submitting his resignation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the wake of a controversy surrounding the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. His private secretary, Prashant Bhamre, and officer on special duty, Prashant Joshi, delivered the resignation at Fadnavis’s official residence.

CM Fadnavis, speaking at the state legislature, confirmed Munde’s departure as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, stating that the resignation had been forwarded to the governor for further action.

Controversy Over Aide’s Involvement

Munde’s resignation follows mounting scrutiny over his close aide, Walmik Karad, who has been named as the mastermind behind the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in December 2024. As the MLA from Parli and Beed’s guardian minister, Munde faced increased criticism after viral videos and screenshots linked him to the accused.

In a post on X after his resignation, Munde reiterated his stance on the case, stating, “From day one, I have demanded the harshest punishment for the accused in the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh from Massajog in Beed district. The images that surfaced yesterday have deeply pained me.”

He also mentioned that the investigation had concluded, with a judicial inquiry proposed. Addressing his resignation, Munde cited health concerns, saying, “Considering my deteriorating health, doctors have advised treatment in the coming days. Therefore, for medical reasons, I have submitted my resignation from the cabinet.”

Political Developments

The decision to seek Munde’s resignation reportedly followed a late-night meeting between CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who also leads the NCP. Pawar later held a separate discussion with Munde regarding his resignation.

Opposition Demands Action

Opposition leaders have condemned the government’s handling of the case. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the delay in removing Munde from his post and accused the government of failing to deliver justice. He called for the government’s dismissal over the issue.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut demanded that Munde be charged in connection with the murder. Meanwhile, Beed MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar told HT that a bandh was observed in Beed, and locals demanded justice. “If the meeting to demand extortion money took place at Munde’s official residence, he should be made a co-accused in the case,” Kshirsagar stated.