Ex-High Court judge to probe charges against Eknath Khadse: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: A retired High Court judge will probe allegations against Eknath Khadse, who resigned from the state Cabinet today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavi said here.

"Eknath Khadseji has demanded an inquiry into allegations against him. A retired High Court judge will be appointed to conduct the inquiry," Fadnavis tweeted.

The CM said he has received the resignation from Khadse.

"I have accepted it and sent to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao," he said.

Facing heat over a string of corruption charges, including irregularities in a land deal, Khadse today resigned from the state Cabinet.

With his options running out after party's central leadership sent a clear and stern message to him, the 64-year-old veteran from north Maharashtra drove to Fadnavis's official residence and submitted his resignation.

Two days ago, Fadnavis had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah in Delhi over the allegations against Khadse, which were leveraged by the Congress, NCP and AAP to embarrass the first BJP-led government in the state.

Even ruling ally Shiv Sena had demanded Khadse's ouster.

Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut today said it was 'inevitable' that Khadse submit his resignation.

"We have sympathy for Khadse. State BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had given Khadse a clean chit. Now, it should be known what led Khadse to resign," Raut said.