Key Points

Pawar stated that the state has been instructed to thoroughly investigate the matter and, if necessary, impose the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

"Orders have been given not to save anyone due to political pressure. I became the guardian minister only today. The incident happened before that. I am confident the judiciary will take all facts into account and give a fair decision," he said.

He stressed that the government's image is important and assured that justice will be served. "Devendraji (Fadnavis) is in Delhi today. We will speak once he returns," Pawar said.

Speaking on the controversy involving Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Pawar said he will meet Kokate to understand the facts of the case. A video involving Kokate from inside the Maharashtra Assembly has surfaced, prompting Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Minister Ram Shinde to order an investigation.

Pawar said there had been disturbances in the Assembly earlier as well, and these incidents are now under investigation. "Strict instructions were given earlier to maintain proper behaviour in the House. This has happened for the second time, and I will discuss the matter face-to-face," he said.

Reacting to recent allegations and reports of a pen drive with sensitive content, Pawar challenged the opposition to present it to the public. "Stop hiding it. What kind of pen drives are these? Show them. Let the truth come out before people," he said, adding that four ministers are being mentioned in the matter, and the police will probe accordingly.

He also commented on the Marathi and hindi row and said, "Here, Marathi is spoken first, then Hindi. This is Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar's Maharashtra. If someone cannot speak Marathi, they should at least say they respect the language."

- ANI