Special Correspondent
Jalgaon : Senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and former minister Eknath Khadse has raised serious questions about BJP minister Girish Mahajan’s eligibility to remain in office, following allegations that Mahajan made 100 calls in one night to a female IAS officer. The claims were made by journalist Anil Thatte, who accused Mahajan of repeatedly calling and summoning women, describing it as a matter of grave concern.
Speaking to the media, Khadse said, “The allegation that Girish Mahajan called a female IAS officer 100 times in one night is extremely serious. Everyone in Maharashtra has heard about this matter. While naming the officer is not appropriate, it is well-known who she is. If such behavior towards women is true, then where is the moral responsibility?”
Khadse also criticized the law and order situation in Muktainagar, alleging a rise in criminal activities under the Shinde Sena. “A key functionary of the Shinde faction was caught with a country-made pistol. The circulation of illegal firearms in Jalgaon district is increasing. I’ve raised this issue in the Assembly for years. Even my granddaughter was harassed by members of the Shinde Sena, and the accused are still roaming free. Who is protecting them?” he questioned.
He further stated that illegal businesses are thriving in Muktainagar while the police are busy collecting bribes. “New gangsters are emerging in the taluka under political protection. Muktainagar is becoming like Beed,” he added.
Slamming state Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde and his colleague Manikrao Kokate, Khadse said Kokate’s recent comment about farmers not demanding loan waivers was “the height of shamelessness.” He reminded the government that promises were made to waive all farm loans before elections. “Now that they’re failing to deliver, they’re blaming the farmers. This is unacceptable. While farmer suicides are rising, ministers seem indifferent.”
He demanded that Manikrao Kokate apologize to the farmers and withdraw his statement. He also urged the state government to expedite crop damage assessments and provide immediate relief to farmers affected by unseasonal rains.
