MUMBAI: A day after NCP’s Dhananjay Munde resigned, the opposition on Wednesday demanded the resignation of BJP minister Jaykumar Gore over allegations that he harassed a woman and allegedly sent her inappropriate photos.
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that the minister had once again threatened the woman. Although Wadettiwar did not name anyone while making the allegations, he insisted that the minister be sacked from the cabinet. He further alleged that Gore had previously apologized in court over the issue but was now harassing the woman after becoming a minister.
Responding to allegations, Gore said, “I have been cleared by the court and will file defamation charges against those who have accused me of this.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) directly named Gore and demanded his removal from the cabinet. MP Sanjay Raut said, “The Swargate case is coming to light. The same thing that happened in Swargate is now emerging regarding Devendra Fadnavis’s beloved minister, Jaykumar Gore. Information has surfaced about how this minister has tortured and molested a woman. That helpless woman will sit on a hunger strike in front of Vidhan Bhavan in the next few days.”
Gore, on his part, maintained that the court had already acquitted him. “This case was filed in 2017 and went to trial. The court acquitted me in 2019. We live in a democracy, and the court gave its ruling six years ago. The issue is being raked up again. Political leaders must exercise restraint. The opposition is indulging in low-level politics. I will move a breach of privilege motion against those making these allegations and also file defamation cases against them,” Gore said.
“The police can investigate the complaints and take necessary action. Those spreading lies should also be booked. I have not sent any photos to anyone, and the court has acquitted me,” he added.
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut further criticized the government, stating, “That helpless woman will sit on a hunger strike in front of Vidhan Bhavan in the next few days. CM Devendra Fadnavis should scrutinize his cabinet. There are perverted ministers like Jaykumar Gore in the state cabinet. Evidence has come to light, and this issue will have to be raised in the Legislative Assembly. Such ministers should be removed. These are the ministers who molest women. If these ministers remain in your cabinet, then how will Devendra Fadnavis speak against atrocities on women?”
Meanwhile, BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he would seek information on the issue before commenting on it.
Gore currently serves as the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
