In connection with the Ashok Kharat case, it has been revealed that Rupali Chakankar had direct contact with the accused. This development has been described as deeply shameful. The women’s district president of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction in Nashik has called for her immediate removal from the position of State Women’s President and from all party roles.
Letter from Prerna Balkawade (Reproduced Faithfully)
The Nationalist Congress Party is committed to the dignity and justice of women. With this belief, we, the women workers of the NCP in Nashik district, have been serving the party with dedication and loyalty. However, today, the very existence and principles of the party are being questioned, and it is with deep pain that we are making this appeal.
In the shocking case involving the alleged harassment of multiple women and young girls by Dr Ashok Kharat, it has come to light that the State Women’s President of the party, Mrs Rupali Chakankar, had direct contact with him. It is extremely shameful that she is seen supporting an individual accused of harassing women for years. This has caused irreparable damage to the party’s image in state politics.
This is not the first such incident. In the Hagawane case and other past matters, her inaction had already tarnished the party’s reputation. At that time, Ajit Dada Pawar had repeatedly discussed taking action against her and replacing the State Women’s President after the elections. Despite the party being aware of these sensitive cases, no concrete action was taken, and this negligence has led to the current crisis.
Today, the party’s image has been seriously damaged. With the State Women’s President’s name linked to this case and her alleged support for someone accused of abusing women, it has become impossible for grassroots women workers like us to continue working under her leadership. In rural areas, this association would create a negative perception about us. It would also become impossible for us to speak about the party’s values among the public.
Therefore, we, all executive members, local leaders, and women workers of Nashik district, unanimously and seriously state that if Mrs Rupali Chakankar is not immediately removed from her position, we will not be able to carry out our responsibilities with loyalty.
To protect the party’s image among the people of Maharashtra and uphold its core values, we strongly request that Mrs Rupali Chakankar be immediately dismissed from her position as State Women’s President and from all other roles within the party. We hope that prompt action will be taken to prevent irreversible damage to the party.
