In a recent press conference, social activist Anjali Damania highlighted the connections between Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman facing serious allegations, and several influential political figures in Maharashtra, India. Damania revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde received 17 calls from Kharat last year and made 7 calls to him, with one call lasting 21 minutes on April 17, 2025. She also noted that former state women's commission chief Rupali Chakankar had the highest number of calls to Kharat, totaling 177 calls and 33,727 seconds of conversation. Damania has called for an investigation into these connections, arguing that the volume of calls suggests a deeper relationship. Meanwhile, Shinde's ally, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat, defended him, stating that no one should be deemed guilty until the investigation is complete, and that mere phone calls do not imply guilt. Kharat is currently facing 11 FIRs for charges including rape and sexual assault, with a special investigation team looking into the matter.