Opposition seeks minister's resignation for 'illegal bungalow'

Opposition today demanded Maharashtra cooperation minister Subhash Deshmukh's resignation, claiming that authorities have found that his bungalow in Solapur city was constructed illegally.

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said that as per the Solapur municipal commissioner's report, the land where the minister's bungalow stands was reserved for a fire brigade station.

Munde told reporters here that the commissioner had conducted inquiry into the matter on the Bombay High Court's directions, following a public interest litigation over the issue.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis holds the Urban Development portfolio, and "people were eager to know" what action he would take against Deshmukh, Munde said.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said Deshmukh's alleged illegal construction was a "glaring example" of corruption under the current government.

Deshmukh should be sacked immediately, he demanded.

Speaking to local news channels, Deshmukh denied that there was any illegality.

"I will resign if I am found guilty. If my bungalow turns out to be illegal, I will myself demolish it," he said.

According to the purported report, copies of which were circulated to media, the municipal commissioner has stated that permissions granted for the construction were not proper, and the land was reserved for a fire brigade station.