'No Inquiry Ordered Against Vasantdada Sugar Institute': Devendra Fadnavis Clarifies

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 16:37 IST

The clarification comes after reports that the state government had ordered a probe into whether the funds and grants given to the institute were used for their intended purpose.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (File Photo)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed reports claiming that the state government has initiated an inquiry into the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), headed by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis clarified that no formal investigation has been ordered and that the issue has been misrepresented.

“I want to make it very clear — the state government has not started any inquiry against the Vasantdada Sugar Institute," Fadnavis said. “There is no question of launching an investigation."

Explaining the context, he said that during a recent meeting held to review the upcoming sugarcane crushing season, the committee discussed how various funds collected from sugar factories are being used. “In that meeting, it was collectively decided to seek information about how the funds deducted from different sources are being utilized. For instance, every year, one rupee per tonne is deducted for the Vasantdada Sugar Institute. So, just like other funds, we only asked for information about how that money is being used," he clarified.

Fadnavis emphasised that the decision was taken transparently and in the presence of all stakeholders, including representatives from the sugar factories and office bearers of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute. “The Sugar Commissioner was simply asked to seek information from VSI — nothing more," he said.

He further added that the government has not received any complaints against the institute that would warrant an investigation. “If a serious complaint comes to us, we will definitely look into it. But as of now, no such complaint has been received. Hence, there is absolutely no question of any inquiry," Fadnavis said firmly.

The clarification comes after reports suggested that the state government had ordered a probe into whether the funds and grants given to the institute were used for their intended purpose. Fadnavis’s statement aims to put those rumours to rest, stressing that the government’s move was only to seek information, not to initiate a formal investigation.

With this clarification, Chief Minister has effectively denied that the Sharad Pawar-led Vasantdada Sugar Institute is under scrutiny — stating that the matter is purely administrative and not an inquiry in any official sense.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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