Released Pet Deer, Leopard Cubs After Taking Office, Admits Maharashtra Forest Minister, Sparks Row

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 11:59 IST

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, keeping or breeding wild animals without authorisation is a punishable offence

Ganesh Naik’s statement has raised eyebrows, not only among environmentalists but also within political circles. (PTI)

Maharashtra’s forest minister Ganesh Naik has sparked a fresh political discussion after revealing that he once kept a deer and leopard cubs as pets before assuming office.

Speaking at a community gathering organised by the State Muslim Khatik Samaj at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagriha in Vashi, Naik candidly mentioned that he had to release these animals after becoming the forest minister, acknowledging that wildlife cannot be kept in private possession under Indian law. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, keeping or breeding wild animals without authorisation is a punishable offence.

Naik’s statement has raised eyebrows, not only among environmentalists but also within political circles. Many observers view the disclosure as a rare moment of honesty, but critics argue it underscores a deeper disconnect between lawmakers and the laws they oversee. The remark is being seen as a reflection of Naik’s personal connection with nature, though it also invites scrutiny regarding compliance with forest and wildlife norms.

A veteran leader with deep roots in Navi Mumbai and Thane, Naik is known for his grassroots influence and long-standing political clout. However, his recent remarks come at a time when the political environment in the Thane district is already tense. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, allies at the state level, are competing fiercely for dominance in this crucial region. The Thane belt has long been a political stronghold where the two parties’ local factions are locked in a silent but persistent rivalry, attempting to expand their control over urban and semi-urban constituencies.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has repeatedly urged leaders of both parties to exercise restraint and avoid public criticism of each other, emphasising the need for unity ahead of upcoming local body elections. Despite his appeals, local-level competition remains intense, with leaders like Ganesh Naik, known for their independent stature, continuing to assert their political relevance.

In that backdrop, Naik’s wildlife comment has gained symbolic significance—it reflects the tendency of influential local leaders to operate independently of party lines, even as the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance struggles to present a unified front in Thane.

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...

Read More

News india Released Pet Deer, Leopard Cubs After Taking Office, Admits Maharashtra Forest Minister, Sparks Row

Read More