Opposition Accuses Maharashtra Minister and BJP Leader Jayakumar Gore of Sending Obscene Photos to Women

BJP leader Gore, who represents the Man assembly constituency in Satara district of western Maharashtra, serves as the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

Amid the allegations, Gore warned of bringing a privilege motion against those raising the issue again and said he would also file a defamation case against them.

The demand for Gore’s resignation comes a day after NCP leader Dhananjay Munde resigned from his ministerial post on Tuesday following the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed in December of the previous year. Opposition parties targeted Gore over the allegations and demanded his resignation.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, without naming Gore, said, “The opposition will demand the resignation of a minister from western Maharashtra accused of sending objectionable pictures to a woman.”

Social activist Anjali Damania also demanded Gore’s removal from the cabinet in light of the allegations. Speaking to reporters, she said, “I have learned that Gore is harassing the woman...”

Gore was accused of sending obscene messages and objectionable pictures to the woman in 2017. Addressing the media, Gore said a case was filed against him in 2017 under Section 354 (molestation) of the Indian Penal Code, but a lower court acquitted him in 2019. He added that the court had also ordered the destruction of the seized material.

Gore stated, “The case is six years old, and leaders should be mindful of what they say. I will bring a privilege motion against those making allegations against me and will also file a defamation case against them.”