For the first time in Maharashtra’s political history, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), headed by NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, will come under state government scrutiny over the utilisation of its funds. The institute, based in Pune, is engaged in research, development, and training for the state’s cooperative sugar industry.

The VSI’s operational funds are generated through a levy of ₹1 per metric tonne (MT) collected from sugar cooperatives across Maharashtra. These contributions are meant to support the institute’s ongoing research and training activities for the sugar sector.

According to sources, the decision to review the VSI’s funds was taken during a recent meeting of the ministers’ committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which oversees decisions related to the sugarcane crushing season.

The move follows dissent among sugar mills after the BJP-led Mahayuti government decided to impose an additional ₹5 per MT levy on crushed sugarcane to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Reacting to the reports, Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Kolte confirmed that during the September 30 meeting, instructions were issued to form a committee to examine the utilisation of VSI’s funds. He, however, denied receiving any complaints regarding fund misuse.

Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar a member of the VSI’s Board of Trustees was present during the meeting where the decision to review fund utilisation was made. Other key trustees include Dilip Walse Patil, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Jayant Patil, and Balasaheb Thorat.

According to data from the State Cooperation Department, VSI has received approximately ₹55 crore over the last five years through the cooperative contributions.

Never before has any state government verified the utilisation of VSI’s funds, despite its significant influence over Maharashtra’s sugar industry.

Political observers view this decision as a setback for Sharad Pawar, who serves as the lifetime chairman and head of VSI’s governing council.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the move was not a probe, but a routine request for financial transparency.
“The notice only seeks financial information regarding the funds collected from sugar factories,” he clarified.

In a move to strengthen Maharashtra’s global presence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the expansion of the Protocol Sub-Department under the General Administration Department (GAD) to include three new divisions Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.

The decision, taken in a recent Cabinet meeting, aims to enhance the state’s engagement with international investors, promote cooperation across borders, and strengthen connections with the Marathi diaspora worldwide. The expansion will also facilitate progress in foreign trade, employment generation, cultural exchange, and tourism.

As part of the restructuring, the designation of Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer has been revised to Secretary (Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach). The Cabinet also approved the formation of three new functional units one each for FDI, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.

Currently, the Protocol Sub-Department has three operational divisions. With the addition of these units, the total will rise to six. To manage the expanded functions, 23 new posts have been sanctioned, increasing the department’s total strength to 62 positions.

The newly expanded department will oversee a broad portfolio, including:

Protocol and diplomatic relations

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) facilitation

Coordination with embassies and high commissions

Management of foreign loans and international funds

Promotion of finance, trade, and technology collaboration

Engagement with overseas Maharashtrian communities

Cultural and academic exchange initiatives

Promotion of international tourism

Facilitation of foreign employment opportunities

Global publicity for Maharashtra’s initiatives

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the decision will position Maharashtra as a leading destination for foreign investment and global cooperation.

“This expansion will help the state attract greater foreign investment, deepen international partnerships, and proactively engage with the global Marathi community. It reflects our vision to make Maharashtra a globally connected and investment-friendly state,” Fadnavis stated.

Mumbai, Oct 28: The political temperature in Maharashtra has soared after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him an “anaconda” and accusing the BJP of trying to “swallow Mumbai” through political manipulation and illegal land acquisition.

Thackeray’s remarks came after a report in Saamna, the Shiv Sena UBT’s mouthpiece, alleged that a new BJP office was built “by grabbing land at lightning speed”.

Drawing a sharp comparison between the BJP and a newly introduced anaconda at Mumbai’s Jijamata Udyan, Thackeray said that the ruling party’s greed to control Mumbai knows no bounds.

Reacting strongly to Thackeray’s statement, leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance hit back, accusing him of “swallowing Mumbai’s wealth” during his tenure.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde countered the remark, saying, “If we talk about the ‘anaconda’ remark, the one calling others an anaconda is actually the real anaconda himself. He had tightly wrapped himself around Mumbai’s treasury. The special thing about anacondas is that their hunger never ends. He swallowed Mumbai’s wealth, swallowed Mumbai itself, and even grabbed several plots of land.”

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also lashed out at the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, comparing him to a “python”.

“Uddhav Thackeray has swallowed Mumbai. He is like a python, not an ordinary snake. This snake sits at home, sleeps all day, eats all day, and has ruined Mumbai. On the other hand, Home Minister Amit Shah has worked for the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, strengthening India and tackling terrorism,” he told reporters.

“For over 11 years, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, he has helped eliminate terrorists. Such a person, you would call an anaconda? Pythons like these have destroyed Mumbai for over 40 years. Uddhav Thackeray couldn’t even manage his own party properly and has left it weak, while also harming Hindus,” Bawankule said.

“He is a person who has lost his mental balance, especially after the elections. He is trying to prove his leadership by making derogatory remarks against Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis; however, he should know that leadership is proven through winning elections and not by abusing,” he added.

Joining the attack, BJP MLA Ram Kadam also took a jibe at the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, saying that Thackeray’s comments reflected his “frustration and deteriorating mental state”.

Speaking to media, Kadam said, “Uddhav Thackeray has been abandoned by everyone, and his recent statement reflects that his mental condition is not right and he is frustrated. With no blood relatives and ministers distancing themselves, he resorts to baseless comments.”

“He knows nothing beyond taunting. How can he criticise our Home Minister? Amit Shah earns respect through hard work, while Uddhav, a lazy person who inherited politics, has failed to sustain it,” he added.