BJP demands resignation of Vilasrao Deshmukh

Mumbai, Feb 8 (PTI) Maharashtra BJP today demandedresignation of Union Rural Development Minister VilasraoDeshmukh.

Deshmukh had faced severe criticism from the bench ofJustice A K Ganguly and Justice G S Singhvi of the SupremeCourt last December for shielding Congress MLA Dilip Sanand''srelatives who are into money-lending, and are facing criminalcomplaints.

"The Supreme Court has criticised Deshmukh for helpingMLA Sanand''s money-lender father. The Congress shouldimmediately seek Deshmukh''s resignation," BJP''s leader ofopposition in Legislative Council, Pandurang Phundkar said.

Another BJP leader, Vinod Tawade said the fine of Rs10 lakh, imposed by the Apex court, was paid from the stateexchequer. "It should have been collected from Congress HighCommand which promoted Deshmukh as the Union minister," headded.

The issue came to fore once again after Justice A KGanguly expressed shock -- speaking at a conference last week-- at Deshmukh''s continuance as a union minister despite theSupreme Court''s strictures. PTI SSG KRK