CPM calls for resignation by MLAs with links to superstitious activities

Nashik: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) state committee has launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra govt, alleging that 39 sitting MLAs are involved in "tantra-mantra" and superstitious activities linked to controversial astrologer Ashok Kharat. The party has demanded immediate resignation of the lawmakers involved.Ajit Nawale, state secretary of the CPI(M), claimed that by associating with such individuals, the representatives have betrayed their office. "By surrendering to fraudulent practices like black magic and witchcraft, these MLAs have not only failed their constitutional mandate but have also indirectly provided ‘recognition' to such superstitions, leading common citizens to fall prey to exploitation," Nawale said. The party argued that as elected representatives, these individuals are constitutionally mandated to propagate rationalism and scientific temper."The govt must make public the names of the representatives meeting Ashok Kharat, who has been accused of taking undue advantage of women seeking solutions to personal issues," Nawale added. "They should be asked to resign immediately."In response to the controversy, the CPI(M) has announced statewide protests at all tehsil offices on April 6.Beyond the resignations, the party urged the state govt to take immediate steps to remove video clips related to the astrologer's activities from social media to protect the dignity of the victims.The CPI(M) also presented a list of systemic demands, including establishment of anti-superstition cells in every police station to ensure the strict enforcement of the Maharashtra Black Magic Act. It has also demanded creation of an independent regulatory body to monitor and prevent such practices, as envisaged in the existing legislation.