Fri May 23 01:39:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleges that his party workers in Dhule foiled a bribery attempt targeting the Maharashtra Legislature’s estimates committee. Raut claims ₹5.5 crore was found in a government rest house room booked under the name of committee chairman Arjun Khotkar’s PA, intended to suppress corruption related to development works. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has deemed the allegations serious and promised an SIT investigation and an ethics committee inquiry. Khotkar denies the charges, claiming his PA booked a different room. The Congress party is criticizing the government, calling for immediate arrests and accusing the government of corruption.

**News Article:**

**Bribery Allegations Rock Maharashtra Legislature; CM Orders Investigation**

**Mumbai, May 23, 2025** – A major scandal has erupted in Maharashtra following allegations of bribery targeting the state Legislature’s estimates committee. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claims his party members thwarted an attempt to bribe the committee during an inspection of developmental projects in Dhule.

According to Raut, ₹5.5 crore was discovered in room number 102 of the Dhule government rest house, reportedly booked in the name of Kishore Patil, the personal assistant to estimates committee chairman Arjun Khotkar. Raut asserted the money was intended to suppress corruption related to development works and the involvement of government officials.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to the allegations with seriousness, promising a thorough investigation. “A question mark on a legislative committee cannot be tolerated,” Fadnavis stated. “The respect and dignity of the Legislature have to be upheld. An SIT will be formed to ascertain the truth.” Fadnavis also indicated that an ethics committee would be established to conduct a separate inquiry.

Khotkar has vehemently denied the allegations, stating the money had nothing to do with the committee and claiming his PA booked a different room.

The opposition Congress party has seized on the controversy, with state president Harshwardhan Sapkal accusing the Fadnavis government of corruption. Sapkal called for the immediate arrest of Khotkar, his PA, and anyone involved in the transfer of the money. Sapkal further accused the government of prioritizing projects like the Shaktipeeth Expressway over public welfare issues.

The estimates committee plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the use of funds allocated to specific regions within the state budget. The investigation into these bribery allegations is expected to be closely watched and could have significant political ramifications.

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