Maharashtra: Minister Jaykumar Gore Files Breach Of Privilege Notices Against Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Sanjay Raut, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar

Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Jaykumar Gore on Thursday moved a breach of privilege motion against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar and a YouTube channel for making allegations that he harassed a woman and allegedly sent her inappropriate photos.

In the Assembly, Gore stated that despite the court ordering the destruction of all relevant evidence, these individuals are still spreading some of the information and continuously attempting to defame him.

Gore's notices came a day after the Opposition demanded his resignation over allegations of him harassing the woman and sending objectionable photos to her. The minister has dismissed the charges.

While speaking in the Assembly, Gore said, “Sanjay Raut referred to a 2017 case from the Satara court and made baseless and obscene allegations against me in front of the media. Using objectionable language, he recklessly accused me and attempted to defame me, tarnishing my reputation in the public eye. This was a deliberate act intended to disrupt the proceedings of the legislature.”

“However, I want to inform this House that the verdict in that 2017 case was delivered in 2019, and the court acquitted me of all charges. I have included the court’s decision in my complaint. Despite this, Sanjay Raut deliberately defamed me in front of the media. He has violated my privilege and that of this House, as well as disrespected the judiciary and the legislature. Therefore, I am submitting a privilege motion against him,” Gore said.

His senior party colleague Sudhir Mungantiwar urged the chair to admit the breach of privilege notices and decide on them before March 26, the last day of the ongoing budget session.

Speaker Rahul Narvekar said he has accepted the notices and sent them to the privilege committee of the House.

In response, Sanjay Raut stated that Jaykumar Gore is free to bring a privilege motion but questioned whether it was being filed against the woman who had accused him of harassment.