Elections 2014: Maharashtra Minister Nitin Raut resigns

NAGPUR: The Lok Sabha results claimed its first political casualty in Maharashtra as EGS Minister Nitin Raut of Congress today resigned from the state cabinet owning responsibility for the defeat of party nominee in Nagpur Lok Sabha seat.

"I have resigned from the post, taking responsibility which was not entrusted on me, but have quit on moral grounds," Raut said.

Raut, a prominent Dalit face in state politics in Congress represents Nagpur-North Assembly seat.

During the initial stage of campaigning when four time MP Vilas Muttemwar's nomination was announced, Raut did not campaign for him but campaigned separately for Congress.

Later, CM Prithviraj Chavan who camped for about four days for campaigning in Vidarbha, brought both Raut and Muttemwar together.