LoP Ambadas Danve Drops Explosive Allegations: “Schoolchildren’s Government Rice Smuggled to Africa — Mahayuti Government Complicit?”

Mumbai: In a blistering attack on the Maharashtra government, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, has accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of turning a blind eye to what he calls a “blatant, organised loot” of food meant for poor schoolchildren.

“Let any responsible person from the government come forward for a ‘Corruption Pe Charcha’ with me. You decide the time and place!” Danve thundered, throwing an open challenge to the administration.

Danve claims to have credible, verifiable information that rice supplied under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana — intended for underprivileged students — is being siphoned off to African nations. At the heart of the alleged racket is the registered entity J.V. Grains Dealers, which, despite being set up for social work, was awarded the Mumbai district rice transportation contract.

According to Danve, the company’s principal shareholder, Anilkumar Gupta, controls 80% of its shares and simultaneously acts as a subcontractor for rice transportation — a clear conflict of interest. Vehicles purchased with the institution’s funds are allegedly being used for Gupta’s private business, with all profits funnelled directly into his personal accounts.

Danve further alleged that Gupta unlawfully diverted institutional funds into his own account as “unsecured loans” without mandatory permission from the Charity Commissioner. “This is not just mismanagement — this is treating the institution like a personal ATM,” Danve declared.

The most damning claim is that rice is being transported at artificially low rates within Mumbai and that the surplus is sold in the black market. Danve alleges this surplus stock is shipped abroad — particularly to African countries — through a network Gupta has “systematically established” for the purpose.

Danve pointed out that no social initiatives have been carried out by the company. In fact, on October 5, 2023, the Railways terminated one of its contracts prematurely and seized its deposit — yet, the same entity continues to receive lucrative tenders from the Mahayuti government.

Calling the episode “a textbook case of institutionalised corruption”, Danve demanded a forensic audit of the entire tender, immediate cancellation of the organisation’s registration, and criminal prosecution of all those found guilty.

“This is theft from the plates of our children, and the government cannot hide behind excuses. If they have the courage, let them come face me and defend this daylight robbery,” Danve said, his voice laced with fury.