Opposition parties on Wednesday demanded the resignation of BJP minister Jaykumar Gore over allegations that he harassed a woman and sent objectionable photos to her.
Gore, who represents the Maan assembly constituency in Satara district, is minister of rural development and Panchayati Raj. He denied the allegations and said a court hearing the case had acquitted him.
“In 2017, the legislative council elections took place, followed by the municipal elections. Just two days before the municipal elections, a case was registered against me. The trial was conducted, and in 2019, the verdict was given. I have a copy of that verdict with me, in which the court acquitted me. The court had also ordered the destruction of the seized evidence, including the mobile phone. Despite my acquittal, the opposition is now digging up a six-year-old case.” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Gore had sexually harassed the woman. “The details about Gore are shocking and bringing a bad name to the state…Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should check the deeds of his ministers,” he said.
Without naming Gore, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said, “The opposition will seek the resignation of a minister from western Maharashtra who is accused of sending objectionable pictures to a woman.”
Activist Anjali Damania also sought the removal of Gore from the Cabinet.
