Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a Lokayukta probe into allegations of corruption against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta on Friday. The CM also announced that an independent inquiry will be conducted into allegations against Industries Minister Subhash Desai.

Refusing to accept resignations from both ministers, Fadnavis announced on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the state Assembly that despite clarifications made by the minister and himself, he was going ahead with instituting an inquiry. After Opposition parties continued demanding resignation of both ministers, Fadnavis said, “I will not ask them to go home just because of the Opposition’s allegations. You would do the same to me. Should we leave the Cabinet is such a manner?”

The CM said an inquiry into allegations against Radheshyam Mopalwar will be conducted by a joint special investigating team (SIT), comprising senior bureaucrats and economic offences wing officers. Turn to P8

Speaking in the legislative council, Fadnavis said an inquiry into allegations against RTI activist Sandip Yeole will be conducted by the economic offences wing and anti-corruption bureau.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, NCP leader Jayant Patil and former CM Prithviraj Chavan were the most vocal against the tainted ministers.