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While the state was observing mourning and government offices were officially closed, the department’s online system showed that approvals continued to be granted
The Sevdas Maharaj Teachers Association in Yavatmal was also issued a certificate on January 28, the same day Ajit Pawar died.
A controversial episode has surfaced within the state administration in Maharashtra, raising serious questions about the conduct of officials during a period of official mourning. Despite the government announcing a holiday and 3-day state mourning following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, certain officers in the ministry allegedly processed and approved long-pending files linked to the Minority Department.
According to information that has come to light, around 75 educational institutions across the state were granted minority status during this period. The files related to these approvals had reportedly remained pending since August but were cleared swiftly between January 28 and February 2.
Records indicate that the first certificate was issued at 3:09 pm on January 28, just hours after news of Pawar’s death. While the state was observing mourning and government offices were officially closed, the department’s online system showed that approvals continued to be granted over the following days. In total, seven institutions received certificates on the day of the incident itself.
The timing of the approvals has raised eyebrows, with entries showing that some files were cleared even after regular office hours, including at 6:30 pm and 7 pm. On January 29 alone, 25 schools associated with the Podar group were granted minority status. Four schools linked to Swami Shanti Prakash and Dev Prakash also received approvals during this period. Additionally, the Sevdas Maharaj Teachers Association in Yavatmal was issued a certificate on January 28, the same day Pawar died.
The sudden clearance of files that had remained undecided for months, particularly during a time when the administration was expected to be observing official mourning, has triggered concerns over procedural integrity and the circumstances under which these approvals were expedited.
Maharashtra, India, India
February 16, 2026, 18:53 IST
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