Rupali Chakankar has resigned as the Maharashtra state chief of the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) women’s wing. This decision comes in the wake of her association with Ashok Kharat, who was arrested on March 18 after being accused of raping a woman repeatedly over three years. Chakankar’s resignation has raised significant concerns within the party and the public.

Chakankar’s stepping down also includes her position as chairman of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. Her resignation follows intense scrutiny regarding her links to Kharat, who has a total of eight FIRs registered against him. The allegations have put Chakankar under considerable pressure, prompting her to take this decisive action.

In a statement, Chakankar mentioned, “Following a discussion over the phone with (NCP president and deputy Chief Minister) Sunetra Pawar this morning, I am tendering my resignation as state president of the Nationalist Congress Party’s women’s wing.” This indicates that her decision was influenced by discussions within the party leadership.

Despite the controversy, Chakankar has asserted her innocence, stating that she had no direct or indirect connection with Kharat’s financial dealings or alleged wrongdoings. She expressed that the allegations against her in the media are painful but emphasized that the truth would ultimately prevail.

Chakankar was previously associated with a temple trust in Nashik district, which has further complicated her position amid the ongoing investigation into Kharat’s activities. She stated, “Her stand remains clear and firm, and the truth would emerge in the course of investigation.” This reflects her determination to clear her name amid the unfolding situation.

Observers note that Chakankar’s resignation could have broader implications for the NCP, particularly regarding its stance on women’s issues and its response to allegations of misconduct within its ranks. The party’s leadership will likely face increased scrutiny as it navigates this challenging situation.

As the investigation into Ashok Kharat continues, the political landscape in Maharashtra may shift, with potential repercussions for the NCP and its members. Chakankar’s resignation marks a significant moment for the party as it seeks to address the serious allegations surrounding one of its prominent figures.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for Chakankar and the NCP as they respond to this developing situation.

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The Rajya Sabha elections set for March 16, 2026, will fill 37 seats across 10 states in India, marking a crucial political event as various parties vie for influence in the Upper House. With 26 candidates already elected unopposed, the elections are shaping up to be a significant moment in Indian politics.

Polling will take place from 9 am to 4 pm, with counting of votes scheduled to begin at 5 pm. The elections are particularly notable as they are the first contested Upper House polls in Odisha after a gap of 12 years, highlighting the changing political landscape in the region.

In Bihar, five seats are contested, with prominent leaders such as Nitish Kumar and Ram Nath Thakur securing victories. This reflects the ongoing political dynamics in the state, where alliances and rivalries continue to evolve.

In Odisha, the BJP emerged victorious by winning 3 out of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, including that of independent candidate Dilip Ray. This success underscores the BJP’s growing influence in the region, which has traditionally been dominated by the BJD.

Chhattisgarh saw Laxmi Verma and Phulo Devi Netam securing their seats, while in Tamil Nadu, six candidates from DMK, AIADMK, and Congress were elected unopposed. This unopposed election indicates a strategic maneuvering among parties to consolidate their positions without facing electoral challenges.

West Bengal’s elections resulted in TMC candidates like Babul Supriyo winning seats, alongside BJP’s Rahul Sinha. This outcome is indicative of the fierce competition between these two parties in a state that has witnessed significant political shifts in recent years.

In Telangana, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vem Narender Reddy were elected, while Anurag Sharma won the seat from Himachal Pradesh. The elections also saw notable figures like Sharad Pawar, Vinod Tawde, Tiruchi Siva, and Ramdas Athawale securing seats, further diversifying the representation in the Rajya Sabha.

The election cycle has not been without controversy, as allegations of horse-trading and vote-buying have emerged, adding a layer of drama to the proceedings. Observers are keenly watching how these dynamics will unfold as the elections approach, with many anticipating further developments in the political strategies of the involved parties.

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