On February 12, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested FDA clerk Rajendra Dherange for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 35,000 at Mantralaya, the state secretariat in south Mumbai. The arrest has triggered a political firestorm, with opposition legislators demanding the resignation of Zirwal, who is a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) cabinet minister.

Denials and Walkout in the Council

Zirwal denied any involvement in the alleged bribery case, stating he was in Delhi at the time of the arrest. During a session in the Council, he defended himself by asserting that he had no connection to the incident and had never supported such practices in the past.

“I have nothing to do with this. I have never backed such tendencies and will not do so in the future either,” Zirwal told the Council, according to reports. He also noted that both Dherange and his private secretary, Dr. Ramdas Gade, had been repatriated to their parent departments, as they were serving on deputation in his office.

However, opposition members were not convinced by his response. Congress leader Satej Patil raised the issue in the Council, stating that the ACB had conducted a reconnaissance for two days before raiding the minister’s office. Patil called for Zirwal’s resignation until the ongoing investigation was completed, emphasizing that the minister should not continue in his post while the probe was underway.

“The minister should not remain in his post until he is cleared of all charges and the ongoing probe is completed. The minister should resign,” Patil demanded in the Upper House, according to PTI.

Opposition Protests and Political Tensions

Following the arrest of Dherange, opposition legislators from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staged a protest at Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature building in Mumbai. They demanded Zirwal’s resignation, accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti government of shielding a “corrupt minister.”

The protesting MLAs gathered on the steps of the legislature building ahead of the day’s proceedings, raising slogans against the government. They criticized the administration for not taking swift action against the alleged corruption within the FDA ministry.

The ACB raid, which took place earlier this month, has intensified scrutiny of the state government’s handling of corruption cases. The opposition argues that the arrest of Dherange highlights systemic issues within the FDA and the need for greater transparency and accountability in public offices.

According to the ACB’s report, the sting operation was conducted after intelligence indicated potential corruption within the FDA. The bureau reportedly had prior knowledge of the alleged activities, leading to the two-day reconnaissance before the raid.

The case has broader implications for the state’s governance, particularly in the wake of similar allegations against other officials. In 2020, the ACB had arrested several officials for accepting bribes in connection with liquor licensing, prompting calls for stricter oversight of state departments.

What’s Next in the Investigation

The ACB is expected to file a formal charge sheet against Dherange and possibly other officials involved in the alleged bribery. The investigation could take several weeks, during which Zirwal may face continued political pressure from opposition groups.

Meanwhile, the MVA has called for an independent inquiry into the matter, urging the government to take action against any officials found guilty of corruption. The ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP and the Shiv Sena, has yet to comment publicly on the allegations, though internal discussions are reportedly ongoing.

Legal experts suggest that if Zirwal is found to have any indirect involvement, it could lead to his removal from office. However, the burden of proof remains high, and the investigation will need to establish a direct link between the minister and the alleged bribery.

As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to shift, the Mantralaya bribery case has become a focal point for debates on transparency, accountability, and the integrity of state governance. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for both the FDA and the broader administration.