India, March 2 -- Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde is facing mounting pressure to resign amid allegations linking his close aide Walmik Karad to an extortion case and the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. His estranged wife Karuna Sharma-Munde claimed on Sunday that senior leaders had already sought his resignation, which would be announced before the state budget session.

The 13-day budget session begins Monday, and the speculation over Munde's exit has intensified. Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Sharma stated, "As per my sources, Munde's resignation was sought two days ago, and he will have to step down before the session."

She further pointed out that Munde had earlier admitted Karad was his close aide and had pr...