Controversy Erupts as 75 Schools Granted Minority Status on Day of Ajit Pawar’s Death; Maharashtra CM Orders Probe
In the wake of former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic demise in a plane crash, issuance of minority status certificates to 75 educational institutions has sparked widespread criticism and a government-ordered inquiry.
MUMBAI — A major controversy has engulfed Maharashtra’s political and administrative circles after state officials reportedly issued minority status certificates to 75 schools within days of the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, 2026.
The certificates, which confer special privileges and exemptions to educational institutions, were cleared while the state was observing three days of official mourning following Pawar’s death. The rapid approvals have raised serious questions about procedural propriety, especially since the issuance of such certificates had been on hold since August 2025.
Opposition leaders and activists have condemned the timing of the clearances, alleging misuse of authority and demanding a thorough investigation into potential irregularities and financial misconduct. Members of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission and political critics argue that the approvals were pushed through suspiciously fast, with calls for action under anti-corruption laws.
In response to the uproar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an immediate halt to the implementation of all 75 minority status certificates and directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
The development has triggered broader debates on governance ethics, administrative accountability, and the integrity of minority status grant processes in the state.
