'Major Conspiracy': Row Over Minorities Tag To Maharashtra Schools Hours After Ajit Pawar's Death

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 17:02 IST

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an immediate stay on the certificates issued during that period and announced a formal investigation.

The Maharashtra State Minority Commission on Tuesday raised serious questions over the issuance of minority status certificates to at least 75 schools within hours of the death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, calling the development a “major conspiracy" and demanding a thorough probe.

Pyare Ziya Khan, Chairman of the commission, pointed out that Maharashtra was observing a three-day state mourning following Pawar’s death, during which government offices were officially closed.

“Despite this, 75 minority certificates were cleared in a single day. The question is simple, how did this happen when no official work was supposed to take place?" he said.

The matter has triggered sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging large-scale irregularities and possible collusion by officials.

Khan claimed that the scale and timing of the approvals indicate organised wrongdoing and said the case merits action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

He added that the Chief Minister has assured the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the approvals.

The BJP has also alleged a possible political angle, claiming that a majority of minority-run schools in the state are linked to the Indian National Congress.

“Whether Ajit Pawar’s death was used as an opportunity by political actors is an angle that must be investigated," Khan said, stressing that accountability should be fixed if rules were bypassed.

Significantly, the minority affairs department was under Ajit Pawar at the time of his death.

On the same day, several institutions allegedly received minority status certificates from the commission, prompting questions over procedural lapses and administrative oversight.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an immediate stay on the certificates issued during that period and announced a formal investigation.

“Orders have been issued to stay the permissions and examine the matter," Fadnavis said, adding that strict action would follow if wrongdoing is established.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who now holds charge of the minority affairs ministry, convened an urgent meeting with senior officials in Mumbai and directed them to identify those responsible for issuing the certificates.

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