Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik's Controversial Admission About Keeping Wildlife Sparks Political Backlash

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has found himself at the center of controversy following the emergence of a video in which he apparently admits to having kept a deer fawn before releasing it upon taking ministerial office.

The BJP leader has since claimed his comments were misunderstood after the video went viral and attracted significant criticism.

During a community event organized by the Rajya Muslim Khatik Samaj Seva Sanstha in Vashi on Monday, Naik made these remarks while addressing members of the Khatik community, who traditionally work in goat rearing and the meat industry.

Naik recounted an incident where goats transported from Marathwada arrived with a stray deer fawn. "Those working here, who bring goats from Marathwada, had once brought a deer for me. When I asked how it came, they said the fawn had strayed into the herd of goats. I took care of it," he stated.

He continued, "But when I became a minister, I said we can no longer keep it at our place, and so released it. As a forest minister, you can't keep jungle animals, peacocks, etc. I also had leopard cubs, but how can one take care of them? We take care of them with love, but it is an offence as per law, and hence we have to stop that love."

Naik, a senior politician from Navi Mumbai, has served as forest minister during two periods: first from 2004 to 2009, and again since December 2024.

The comments sparked immediate backlash, with political leaders across affiliations accusing the BJP of hypocrisy.

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded an investigation, posting on social media: "Maharashtra's Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has admitted that he kept a deer fawn (passing remarks for tiger cubs as well) even before becoming forest minister. If any ordinary citizen had done this, they would have been booked under the Wildlife Protection Act."

Sawant further questioned: "But when the Forest Minister himself admits to illegally keeping a wild animal, the government remains silent. This is not just hypocrisy; it's an insult to law and wildlife protection itself. Will the Chief Minister order an inquiry, or will the law once again bend for his ministers?"

In response to the growing controversy, Naik issued a clarification stating his comments had been taken out of context.

"A part of my conversation during a public event has been misinterpreted. Had anyone asked me directly, I would have gladly provided detailed information. My comment was merely an example of affection and concern towards wild animals," he explained.

"No person should hunt wild animals or keep them in captivity. They should be released into the wild; that was the intention behind my example. Many times, wild animals wander into farms, and some are injured. In such situations, one should show compassion and hand them over to rescue centers. The natural habitat is the rightful place for all wild animals."

Naik firmly denied ever keeping any wild animal illegally in his possession, emphasizing that wild animals belong in forests and that all government regulations for their protection must be observed.