Panchayat-president posts letters on social media, calls sarpanchs to bungalow:CM helpline receives complaint, sarpanchs say, ‘President’s husband is blackmailing them’

Pinky Wankhede, President of Khandwa District Panchayat, who gained attention for posting letters on social media questioning officials and panchayat functioning, is now at the centre of a controversy herself. The allegations are directed at her husband, Sudesh Wankhede, accused of demanding money, exerting pressure, and threatening defamation. Sarpanchs have filed complaints on the CM Helpline and submitted audio recordings of phone calls as evidence. The controversy has also raised questions about the President’s method of highlighting issues, why she waits weeks after inspections to expose shortcomings through social media letters and issues reminder notices, instead of taking immediate action. Now, her letters and the sarpanchs’ allegations are in confrontation. President’s letter and Sarpanchs’ allegations Demanded Rs 50 thousand citing flaws in building construction Dharamchand Savner, husband of the Sarpanch of Dhodhwada Gram Panchayat under Khandwa Janpad Panchayat, filed a complaint on the CM Helpline on December 27. He alleged that the Gram Panchayat building, constructed for Rs 36 lakh, faced irregularities during inspection by District Panchayat President Pinky Wankhede in November. Savner claimed a demand of Rs 50,000 was made, citing poor-quality material. When the secretary brought Rs 10,000 to Wankhede’s bungalow, he refused, saying, Bring 50 thousand rupees. Two days later, on December 29, Wankhede posted a complaint letter on social media, highlighting alleged irregularities in the building’s construction and reporting the matter to the Lokayukta and Panchayat Minister. Second complaint The controversy also involves the Nahalda Gram Panchayat, near the city. Here, Sarpanch’s husband, Ajay Thakur, filed a complaint on the CM Helpline alleging that President Pinky Wankhede’s husband, Sudesh Wankhede, repeatedly pressured him for money. Thakur claimed, ‘Fulfill the demands, otherwise I will defame the Panchayat. If an investigation is initiated, there will be a loss.’ Thakur submitted an audio recording of the phone call, in which Sudesh Wankhede allegedly said, You have committed several frauds in the Panchayat, for which a report has been prepared. You are one of us, so come to Khandwa quickly and meet me at my residence. I have to go out in the evening; if you delay, the report will be posted on social media. For now, I have stopped it. Excerpts from the conversation between Nahalda Sarpanch’s husband and District Panchayat President’s husband Famous as ‘Letter Madam’
Pinky Wankhede, the President of Khandwa District Panchayat, has created a social media account in her name. She shares four to five letters on it daily. This is why she has become famous as ‘Letter Madam’ between the government and the administration. Her complaint letters mention everyone from the Panchayat Minister to the Divisional Commissioner. The language style is commanding. Not only this, if no action is taken on a complaint letter, a reminder letter is also issued on social media itself. President complains against janpad CEO over protocol On January 1, the Bhoomipujan for the Khandwa Janpad Panchayat building took place, attended by all district public representatives, including the MP, MLA, and District Panchayat President Pinky Wankhede. The invitation card and foundation stone listed her name fourth, after the MP, MLA, and BJP District President. Angered over the protocol, Wankhede issued a complaint letter against the in-charge Janpad CEO Nikita Mandloi, followed by three reminder letters within 15 days. President responds to allegations Sarpanchs alleged that Wankhede, her husband, and her PA call them to her residence to demand money. Wankhede denied the claims, saying, ‘All allegations are baseless. These people do not work at the ground level. We inspect the site on villagers’ complaints.’ On being called to her residence, she added, ‘They come as public representatives. We offer tea and hospitality; what they say outside, only their honesty knows.’ Election through draw of lots Pinky Wankhede became president through a draw of lots after both the president and vice-president positions in the BJP-ruled District Panchayat saw tied votes. Despite BJP’s majority, the BJP and Congress candidates received equal votes. Luck favoured BJP candidates in the draw, making Pinky Wankhede president and Divyaditya Shah, son of Minister Vijay Shah, vice-president. Allegations of transactions are baseless
President’s husband Sudesh Wankhede says, The allegations regarding money transactions are baseless. On the phone, general conversations happen. During the inspection in Nahalda village, the President found many shortcomings. The Sarpanch’s husband said that the matter should not be complained about at a higher level. The purpose of calling them home was to explain to them that whatever work there is, do it in a quality manner, and whatever work will be done in the future, that too should be done properly. Investigation officer’s account
Meanwhile, regarding the complaint made by the husband of Dhodhwada Gram Panchayat’s Sarpanch to the CM Helpline, Investigation Officer and Sub-Engineer Rabia Mansoori said, A complaint has been received, and currently, guidance has been sought from senior officials in this matter, because this complaint is neither technical nor related to any department.