Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 27: Troubles mounted for Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed as “serious” a controversial video allegedly showing him with a transperson at his official bungalow, even as the opposition intensified demands for his resignation.

Zirwal, who holds the Food and Drug Administration and Special Assistance portfolio, has denied wrongdoing and told the chief minister that the video was “stitched together” using old clips. He has sought a probe into the matter.

“Zirwal told me the video comprises three to four old clips. I have asked him to file a complaint. The authenticity of the video needs to be verified,” Fadnavis said, adding that a decision would be taken after due examination. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar.

Fadnavis clarified that an earlier Anti-Corruption Bureau case involving an FDA clerk had no direct link to Zirwal, but emphasised that the current issue warranted scrutiny.

Zirwal becomes the third NCP leader in the ruling alliance to face controversy in recent months. Earlier, Dhananjay Munde stepped down following the arrest of a close aide in an extortion-cum-murder case, while Manikrao Kokate resigned after a court upheld his conviction in a cheating case.

A four-time MLA from Dindori in Nashik district and former Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Zirwal has been considered close to late NCP leader Ajit Pawar. He had also proposed Sunetra Pawar’s name for key party positions following Ajit Pawar’s demise.

Sources indicate that internal disputes within the NCP after Ajit Pawar’s death may have contributed to the timing of the video’s emergence.

Further action is expected after verification of the video’s authenticity.