Nashik diary

Pawar has vowed to form an independent pressure group of tribal MLAs, cutting across party affiliations, to work for the welfare of tribals. The move has coincided with the scheduled special session of the State Legislature where the new Chief Minister Narayan Rane is to seek a vote of confidence.

Talking to reporters, Pawar categorically stated that he had no Godfather and that he was not a sycophant, which he felt were necessary prerequisites for becoming a minister.

But when Pawar was asked how he had been made a minister nine months ago without these requisites, he gave a sheepish smile and paused. Then he turned to a different topic.

Anandibai8217;s Heritage

At the very mention of her name, Anandibai brings back bitter memoriesaccording to history books of the Peshwa regime. Anandibai is known for her villainous role in killing Narayanrao, brother of Peshwa Madhavrao, her nephew. She had allegedly hatched a plot and instigated her husband, Raghobadada uncle of Peshwa Madhavrao and Narayanrao, to grab the throne.It is said that when Raghobadada finally issued orders to capture Narayanrao, she manipulated the message to substitute the Marathi word Dharave by Marave, resulting in the killing of her nephew.

In her last days, Anandibai stayed at Anandvalli, near Nashik. The structure is in ruins and has not yet been declared a protected monument. After passing through many hands, the plot of land on which the ruins stand has become the centre of a controversy.

The local Shiv Sena corporator, Suresh Gaikwad, has been leading a campaign since 1997 for the Peshwa ruins to be named Anandibai Gadi and to be acquired and preserved by the State Government. He has also successfully piloted a resolution in the Nashik MunicipalCorporation for these demands.It is unclear whether Gaikwad wants to preserve the not-so-sweet memories of Anandibai. But, it is clear that he does not want the privately owned site be developed as a hotel. There have been quarrels instigated by Gaikwad over encroachments on the plot. In the recent skirmish about a fortnight ago, private securitymen guarding the plot opened fire at a mob led by Gaikwad. Two persons were killed and 23 injured others, including Gaikwad.

If the State Government decides to declare Anandibai Gadi a protected monument, it will amount to preserving bitter memories of the supposedly villainous role that Anandibai played in history.

It will also mean bowing down before boisterous politicians who bend the rules to suit their interests.

Stop Press!

When the city unit president of the BJP, Vijay Sane8217;s house was stoned allegedly by some bootleggers and he demanded the transfer of Inspector Vasant Aher of Panchavati police station for instigating the miscreants, thecity Police Commissioner Ambalal Verma sent Aher on leave. However, Aher resumed work after a week and a local daily published a report quoting the Police Commissioner Verma. In the report, Verma is said to have denied that he promised to initiate an inquiry against Aher. As reporters began making inquiries, Verma sent two of his officials to newspaper offices with a request not to publish this piece of news.