Just days after Ajit Pawar’s death and during state mourning, 75 institutions were granted minority status in Maharashtra. Were the approvals pre-signed or was there manipulation? A high-level probe is now underway.
A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after 75 educational institutions were granted minority status
Mumbai: A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after 75 educational institutions were granted minority status in the days immediately following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The approvals, issued between January 28 and January 31, coincided with the three-day state mourning declared after his demise.
The timing of the certificates has sparked sharp debate, with questions being raised about whether due process was followed during the sensitive period.
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Maharashtra observed state mourning from January 28 to January 30 after Pawar died in a chartered plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. Amid official mourning, the clearance of a large number of minority status applications has drawn scrutiny.
Sources indicated that the government is examining whether the files had already been signed by Pawar prior to his passing or whether any irregularities occurred subsequently. Officials are also probing whether signatures were genuine or if any tampering took place at any level.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level investigation into the matter. He has assured that strict action will be taken if any wrongdoing or procedural lapses are found.
A senior government official said the issue is being treated with utmost seriousness and that all approvals granted during the period are under review.
The Indian National Congress has levelled serious allegations, claiming that certain influential and financially strong educational institutions may have secured minority status through alleged collusion with officials.
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The party has demanded a transparent and impartial inquiry, suspension of responsible officers and stringent action to ensure accountability.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most prominent political figures and the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister in the state’s history, holding the post across multiple governments. He is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar.
As the probe unfolds, the controversy is expected to intensify, adding fresh political heat in the state.
