Puja Khedkar’s Father's Assembly Nomination Sparks Debate with 'Divorced' Status Revelation

Mumbai: As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming assembly elections, Dilip Khedkar, far of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, has me helines with his candidacy as an Independent from Ahmednagar South constituency. However, his recent poll affidavit, which lists his marital status as “divorced,” has raised eyebrows, particularly as it contricts information he provided during 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he claimed to be married.

In his latest affidavit, Khedkar's assertion of being ‘divorced’ contrasts sharply with his previous declaration of being married to Manorama Khedkar. In his previous document, he h described her as his wife and provided details of ir jointly owned properties, specifying ir household as an “undivided Hindu family.” His marital status in nomination paper has sparked anor row and ignited public debate as he embarks on this new political endeavor.

Conflicting Marital Status Declarations

In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he identified Manorama Khedkar as his wife and disclosed ir shared assets, which included properties valued at approximately Rs 40 crore. earlier affidavit explicitly stated that y were living as an undivided Hindu family, creating a stark contrast to his current assertion of being divorced.

Public scrutiny intensified due to se conflicting marital status declarations. Dilip Khedkar's campaign is now overshowed by questions about his integrity and reasons behind change in his marital status. Despite his previous candidacy under Vanchit Bahujan Aghi party, where he was unable to secure a win, Khedkar is determined to make a mark in Assembly elections.

Divorce Finalized in 2010

As per reports, documents accessed by media indicated that Dilip and Manorama Khedkar filed for divorce by mutual consent at Pune's family court in 2009, with ir separation officially finalised on June 25, 2010. However, despite ir divorce, reports suggest that couple continued to live toger in a bungalow in Pune’s Baner area, owned by Manorama Khedkar.

This revelation ds a layer of complexity to public narrative surrounding Khedkar. fact that he has previously declared ir relationship as intact raises questions about transparency in his political aspirations.

Legal Troubles for Dilip Khedkar

In dition to controversies regarding his marital status, Dilip Khedkar is facing legal challenges. In August, police registered a case against him in Pune, accusing him of threatening and obstructing a public servant during discharge of ir duties. This incident furr complicates his political landscape as he attempts to gain public trust ahe of elections.

Far of Controversial IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar

Khedkar family has been under scrutiny not only due to Dilip's political ambitions but also because of his daughter, Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. She faced suspension from Indian ministrative Service (IAS) for allegedly misrepresenting information in her UPSC Civil Services Examination application in 2022 to qualify for reservation benefits. Both Puja and her family have denied allegations, but incident has ded a major burden to ir public profile.

In September, Puja Khedkar was discharged from IAS under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, following allegations. UPSC found her guilty of violating examination rules, leing to her disqualification from future examinations and selections.

Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 assembly constituencies to be held on November 23. In 2019 assembly elections in Maharashtra, BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats.