Overview
- Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan said leaving out B.R. Ambedkar’s name in his Republic Day address in Nashik was inadvertent and issued an apology.
- Forest officer Madhavi Jadhav demanded a written apology and submitted an application to police seeking action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- No case has been registered under the Atrocities Act, and police released Jadhav and colleague Darshana Saunpure after a verbal warning following their on-stage protest.
- The forest department plans show-cause notices under Maharashtra Civil Services Rules to the two officers for interrupting the official ceremony.
- Video of the confrontation drew wide attention as Ambedkarite and opposition leaders, including Prakash Ambedkar, condemned the omission and signaled possible legal consequences.