‘Why didn’t you mention Dr. Ambedkar’s name’, angry forest guard asks Maharashtra cabinet Minister during Republic Day event

Forest Guard reprimands Maharashtra Minister for omitting Dr. Ambedkar's name during Republic Day speech, sparking controversy and calls for action.

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.

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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.

Madhavi Jadhav, a Forest Guard who was a part of the Republic Day event in Nashik, burst out in anger after Girish Mahajan’s speech, claiming that there was a deliberate attempt to wipe off his name. “Those who were unrelated to the country’s Constitution were mentioned today. But why was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s name not taken even once? We are all here because of him today. I will not let them wipe off his name like this. I don’t care if you suspend me. The Minister should admit his mistake,” she said as a policewoman was seen trying to pacify her. She was later taken to the police station, where she submitted an application and sought action against the Minister.