Somaiya moves EC over Dhananjay Munde’s relationship with other woman

Fadnavis adopts wait and watch stance

@the_news_21

Mumbai: Controversy over Maharashtra Minister for Social Justice Dhananjay Munde admitting to having entered into a relationship by mutual consent with another woman has sharply divided politics and legal fraternity alike. Sources close to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader stated that Munde has already moved the court of law in the matter.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Dr Kirit Somaiya on Wednesday moved the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding action against Munde for non-disclosure and concealment of facts about wives, children and properties.

Speaking to TheNews21 on conditions of anonymity an official from the ECI clarified having two wives or not disclosing their details in the election affidavit does not constitute a violation of the Election laws. An elected representative can only be disqualified from his membership if he or she is imprisoned for two years or more under any offence.

On the other hand former BJP chief minister and leader of opposition in Legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has adopted a more cautious approach in the matter arguing that the BJP will make its stance clear once the police investigation is over. He however did state that Munde’s political party (NCP) needs to take a call in the matter over the issue of public morality.

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In his clarification in the social media, Munde has termed the allegations leveled against him as “blackmail”. In his clarification he has admitted to be in a mutually agreed relationship with one Karuna Sharma since 2003. Munde added that this relationship was known to his wife, family and friends and that he has two children – one son and one daughter from this relationship. Munde further stated he has given his name to both the children.

Earlier in the day, Somaiya moved the Chief Election Commissioner, ECI over the issue demanding action against Munde. In his letter to the ECI, the BJP leader has argued that Munde in his public statements has admitted to having married twice and taking care of both wives and children. The sister of the other woman has lodged complaint with the Mumbai police of rape and sexual exploitation against Munde. Somaiya further argued that Munde in his October 2019 Assembly election affidavit has not disclosed information about his two wives and all the children and properties in their names.

Maharashtra BJP vice president Chitra Kishore Wagh has demanded that Munde should resign on moral grounds. She added that the police should do a fair and impartial probe in the matter and not succumb to any pressure. Wagh added that the victim and her family could face pressure and evidence can be tampered with. Meanwhile, state NCP president Jayant Patil termed the issue as internal matter of the Munde family and argued that the investigations in the matter need to be completed first.