Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Sapkal Attacks Mahajan Over Alleged Nashik Kumbh Fund Irregularities
Harshvardhan Sapkal, a Congress leader, accused minister Girish Mahajan of mishandling money meant for the next Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
These are political accusations and have not been independently proven.
Sapkal said the government should explain how the money is being used.
He also said that even a small part of the allegedly wasted money could have helped schools.
He criticised alleged problems in some recruitment and entrance examinations.
He objected to a review of voter lists because he said genuine voters might be removed.
Sapkal made the comments at a Congress training camp in Nashik.
The disagreement is part of a larger political dispute over preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal accused minister Girish Mahajan of irregularities and misuse of funds for Nashik Kumbh works.
Sapkal alleged Mahajan received the Guardian Minister’s post as a reward despite alleged irregularities involving a relative; the claims have not been independently established.
He said even one per cent of the allegedly lost funds could have helped save thousands of schools across Maharashtra.
Sapkal also criticised alleged NEET, Talathi and Gram Sevak examination irregularities and opposed voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision.
His remarks came at a Congress training camp in Nashik as political tensions increased over preparations for the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
- Who
- Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal accused Maharashtra minister and Nashik Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan.
- What
- Sapkal alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in works for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela, while also raising education, recruitment and voter-roll concerns.
- When
- The remarks were made during a 10-day Congress residential training camp; Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend its concluding session on September 2.
- Where
- Nashik, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Sapkal said the allegations raised questions about the government’s functioning and warned that Congress would oppose alleged misuse of Kumbh funds and administrative arbitrariness.
- Main allegation
- Harshvardhan Sapkal alleged large-scale irregularities and misuse of funds in Nashik Kumbh-related works.
- Accused politician
- Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra minister and Nashik Guardian Minister.
- Kumbh event
- The dispute concerns preparations for the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
- Additional concerns
- Sapkal referred to alleged NEET irregularities and paper leaks in Talathi and Gram Sevak recruitment examinations.
- Voter rolls
- He opposed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision and sought an extension to prevent genuine voters from being excluded.
- Congress camp
- The 10-day residential training camp for Maharashtra district and city unit chiefs was being held in Nashik.
- Expected attendee
- Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the camp’s concluding session on September 2.