Opposition on Monday (January 26, 2026) slammed Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan after a Forest Guard expressed anguish over his speech during the Republic Day celebration in Nashik, where he did not mention Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s name.
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi approached the Nashik Police later, seeking action against the Maharashtra Minister. The Forest Guard has since written an application to the Nashik Police seeking an apology from Girish Mahajan. She has also sought a case against the Minister under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Also Read: 77th Republic Day 2026 Highlights
Mr. Mahajan expressed regret that he had missed mentioning Dr. Ambedkar’s name during his speech.
“It must have slipped my attention by mistake. It was not wilful. There was no such intention. I gave the usual slogans of Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai. I didn’t have any intention of hurting anyone. If you look at the speeches every year, you can check what I say. I apologise if anyone’s sentiments are hurt,” Girish Mahajan said while speaking with reporters in Nashik thereafter.
