Congress Says Criminal Case Should Be Registered Against Eknath Khadse

New Delhi: Stepping up attack on BJP, Congress today said merely the resignation of controversial Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse won't do and a criminal case should be registered against him.

"Mere resignation of Eknath Khadse with a simultaneous clean chit to him wouldn't put the lid over or do away the need for an independent probe into the alleged Dawood Ibrahim terror connection," party's chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

Claiming that it is a classic case of gross abuse of public office in purchase and seeking compensation of MIDC land, he said a criminal case should be registered against him under Prevention of Corruption Act and action taken "instead of brushing the issue under the carpet".

In the eye of a storm over allegations of corruption including irregularities in a land deal, the Maharashtra revenue minister today resigned from the post.

The move came after the central leadership of the BJP sent him a clear and stern signal that he had no option but to quit since his continuance would damage the image of the ministry led by the party.