Maharashtra’s political theatre witnessed a predictable denouement on Tuesday when Food and Civil Supplies minister Dhananjay Munde tendered his resignation. While Munde cited a call of conscience and medical advice in his letter, the truth is that his departure was not a voluntary act of moral awakening.

It was, instead, the culmination of mounting public outrage and political compulsions. His exit came only after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis explicitly demanded his resignation following consultations with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Munde, a prominent leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had ample opportunities to step down gracefully.

The most opportune moment was when his close aide Valmik........

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