Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Rane’s Diwali Remarks Fuel Speculation About Rohit Pawar
Students in Pune are protesting concerns about the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s examination system.
They want action on several issues, including the commission’s chairman.
Rohit Pawar has supported the students and their demand.
Minister Nitesh Rane said the government had accepted 12 of the students’ 13 demands.
He also praised Pawar and called him a good friend.
When asked whether Pawar might join the government by Diwali, Rane made a playful comment about firecrackers.
He did not say that Pawar would become a minister.
Rane also denied confirming that a political plan called “Operation Tutari” was underway.
His comments have prompted speculation, but no political move was officially announced.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane said Rohit Pawar could be a future Cabinet colleague, but did not confirm any move.
Asked whether Pawar might join the government by Diwali, Rane replied, “Let’s see where the firecrackers burst during Diwali.”
Rane called Pawar a good friend and praised his legislative speeches and work on the Maharashtra Public Service Commission system.
Rane said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had met protesting MPSC students and accepted 12 of their 13 demands.
Rane denied signaling that “Operation Tutari” was underway, while his remarks added to speculation about Pawar’s political future.
- Who
- Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar, and protesting MPSC aspirants.
- What
- Rane’s remarks about Pawar as a possible future Cabinet colleague fueled speculation, while Rane did not confirm a political move.
- When
- Monday; the remarks came during the ongoing MPSC students’ protest.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Reporters asked about Pawar’s political future and his involvement in the students’ agitation.
- Speaker
- Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane
- Politician discussed
- Rohit Pawar, an NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA
- Setting
- Ongoing Maharashtra Public Service Commission students’ protest in Pune
- Diwali remark
- “Let’s see where the firecrackers burst during Diwali.”
- Demands accepted
- Rane said the chief minister had accepted 12 of the students’ 13 demands.
- Committee
- Rane said a committee under V Radha and other officers was formed to examine shortcomings in the MPSC system.
- Political confirmation
- Rane did not confirm that Pawar would join the government or that Operation Tutari was underway.