Spotlight on Khadse affects Centre's 'good governance': Shiv Sena

Following the resignation of Maharashtra Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse from his post, the Shiv Sena on Saturday asserted that such issues affected the Centre's 'good governance' policy.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande said that Khadse, being a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had no right to be in his position, following the kind of allegations that were being levelled at him.

"The BJP has taken the right decision and there should be a detailed probe into the matter. Keeping in mind the Prime Minister's zero tolerance policy towards corruption, it is only fair for him to step down from his post," she said.

She further said that when an issue is no longer contained to the party but reaches the public domain, then it begins to affect the 'good governance' by the Centre.

Earlier today, Khadse resigned from his post following allegations of impropriety with regard to a land deal and alleged calls from underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

He met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid reports, that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had begun the process to act against him.

Fadnavis said today that Khadse had demanded an inquiry into the allegations against him, adding that a retired High Court judge would be appointed for the same.

"Received the resignation from Eknath Khadse ji. I've accepted it and sent it to Hon'ble Governor," Fadnavis tweeted.

"Khadse ji has demanded an inquiry into allegations against him. A retired HC Judge will be appointed to conduct inquiry," he added.

The most senior minister in the Fadnavis government is facing serious allegation over an illicit land deal and his cellphone allegedly appearing in the call records of most-wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Khadse, however, maintained the land was not owned by the government, that he bought it from a private party, and that he paid the stamp duty or tax on the market value of the plot which he says proves that the deal was above-board.

The Maharashtra's Anti-Terror squad is investigating the alleged calls to the minister from Dawood Ibrahim. Khadse has denied any links to Dawood Ibrahim.