Rupali Chakankar has resigned as the chief of the Maharashtra state women’s wing of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on March 27, 2026. This decision follows a series of allegations regarding 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 comes in the wake of significant public scrutiny. She had previously been under fire for her links to Kharat, which included her membership in a temple trust he headed. A total of eight FIRs have been registered against Kharat, intensifying the pressure on Chakankar to distance herself from the situation.
In a statement, Chakankar expressed her decision to resign, saying, “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 a swift response to the mounting allegations.
Chakankar has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she had no direct or indirect connection with Kharat’s financial dealings or alleged misconduct. She described the media allegations against her as “painful” but maintained that “the truth would ultimately prevail.”
Despite the controversy, Chakankar remains firm in her stance, stating, “Her stand remains clear and firm, and the truth would emerge in the course of investigation.” This reflects her confidence in her innocence amid the unfolding situation.
The NCP, a significant political entity in Maharashtra, is now faced with the challenge of managing the fallout from this incident. Observers are keenly watching how the party will navigate the implications of Chakankar’s resignation and the ongoing legal issues surrounding Kharat.
As the investigation continues, the political landscape in Maharashtra may shift, with potential repercussions for the NCP and its leadership. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for Chakankar and the party’s response to the allegations against Kharat.
