Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan Refutes ₹500-Crore Allegation by Manoj Jarange Patil

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan has dismissed allegations made by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil regarding an alleged ₹500-crore transaction involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, terming the claims completely baseless and devoid of facts. Mahajan suggested that Jarange Patil had likely been misinformed and noted that if serious accusations are leveled, verifiable evidence must be presented to support them.

Questions Raised Over Timing of Allegations

Questioning the timing of the statement, Mahajan pointed out that if the alleged event purportedly occurred over two years ago, raising it now makes little sense. He reiterated that no such transaction ever took place and urged caution against relying on unverified rumors.

Mahajan also defended the state government’s track record on the Maratha reservation issue:

• 2014–2019 Tenure: The Devendra Fadnavis-led administration had granted reservation to the Maratha community along with several welfare schemes and educational benefits.
• MVA Administration: Mahajan claimed that the subsequent Uddhav Thackeray-led government failed to defend the matter effectively before the Supreme Court, creating legal complications.
• Shinde Administration: He highlighted that under Eknath Shinde, the government restored reservations, extended welfare benefits via the SARTHI initiative for students and job aspirants, and accepted multiple demands raised during Jarange Patil’s agitation.

Mahajan stated that he felt compelled to clarify the matter publicly because the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been brought into the controversy.

Advance Financial Relief for Farmers

Addressing agrarian distress, Mahajan clarified that the funds currently being distributed to farmers serve as an advance interim measure. Following extensive crop damage due to erratic weather and drought-like conditions, official field damage assessments (panchnamas) are actively underway.

He assured that once comprehensive loss data is compiled, full compensation will be credited directly into farmers’ bank accounts. The initial funds were released to support rural households ahead of the Dussehra and Diwali festive period.

Nashik Kumbh Mela Preparations

Sharing updates on the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela, Mahajan announced that the ceremonial flag-hoisting will take place on October 31 at 12:02 PM, marking the official commencement of the religious congregation. The inaugural event is expected to see the attendance of the President of India, the Chief Minister, Union leaders, and prominent seers and mahants from across the country.