Pressure mounts on Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh to resign

Deshmukh has denied charges of corruption and decided to file a defamation suit against Singh

Even as the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi faces its biggest battle in 16 months, pressure is mounting on state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, who faces a barrage of alleged corruption charges from ex-Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh.

Thackeray on Saturday night spoke to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, the chief architect of the MVA government.

Also read — Maharashtra HM Anil Deshmukh asked Sachin Vaze to collect Rs 100 crore a month, alleges Param Bir Singh

Pawar is expected to hold consultations with senior leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and state NCP President Jayant Patil.

Shiv Sena’s troubleshooter and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut is expected to hold deliberations with the NCP supremo.

"The letter is a reaction after Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister decided to take a tough stand. There is no question of replacing Maharashtra Home Minister," Patil told reporters.

Leader of Opposition in Assembly Devendra Fadnavis and his counterpart in Council Pravin Darekar had demanded the resignation of Deshmukh.

Also Read | Anil Deshmukh to file defamation suit against sacked police officer Param Bir Singh

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane said, “If Home Minister asked Rs 100 crore every month from Vaze but who was the brain behind the idea of nightlife? As per Param Bir Singh in spite of him briefing the Chief Minister about the issue, the latter didn’t respond.. so it’s clear that it’s just not about the Home Minister but also about the nightlife gang!”

Deshmukh on his part has denied the charges and decided to file a defamation suit against Singh.