Allegations Against Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam Over Dance Bar Permit Spark Calls for Resignation

Anil Parab, a leader from Shiv Sena UBT, has accused Maharashtra minister Yogesh Kadam of having a dance bar permit under his mother's name. Kadam, who is the Minister of State for Home and Revenue, dismissed these allegations as unfounded. Parab called for Kadam's resignation, citing a conflict of interest due to his ministerial role.

Parab also claimed that Kadam diverted sand from the Jagbudi river in Ratnagiri to a dental college associated with his family. This sand was originally intended for farmers. Kadam, speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, labelled these accusations as blatant lies and insisted that Parab presented false evidence.

Conflict of Interest Allegations

During the legislative council session, Parab highlighted a police raid on May 30 at Saavali bar in Mumbai's Kandivali area. Dance bars are prohibited in Maharashtra. The raid resulted in the arrest of 22 dancers, 22 patrons, and four staff members. Parab pointed out that the bar's permit was registered under Kadam's mother's name, questioning if a minister can engage in business linked to their department.

Parab argued that rules dictate accountability lies with the establishment owner if a bar licence is misused. He urged the chief minister to demand Kadam's resignation immediately. The opposition MLC emphasised that this situation represents a clear conflict of interest for a serving minister.

Denial and Defence

Kadam strongly denied all allegations made by Parab, describing them as baseless and defamatory. He stated that his mother's name was unnecessarily dragged into the controversy. Kadam vowed to prove the falsity of these claims and the evidence presented against him at an appropriate time.

The dental college involved in the sand diversion allegation is named after Kadam's sister. Parab claimed that Kadam was also a director at this educational institution. These accusations have intensified political tensions within the state.

Kadam reiterated his innocence, asserting that all allegations were fabricated to tarnish his reputation. He maintained that he would eventually demonstrate the falsehood of these accusations and expose the fake evidence used against him.

With inputs from PTI