Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the bust of freedom fighter Jawaharlal Darda, popularly known as 'Babuji', in Mumbai on 2 July 2026. The ceremony, announced by the Chief Minister's Office of Maharashtra, brought together senior members of the state government and the Darda family in a tribute to the Swatantryasenani (freedom fighter) and founder of the Lokmat Media Group.

Context

Jawaharlal Darda, referred to with reverence as 'Babuji', was a freedom fighter who participated in India's independence movement and went on to establish the Lokmat Media Group, one of Maharashtra's most prominent Marathi-language newspaper organisations. His legacy spans both the political and journalistic spheres of the state. The bust unveiling marks a formal public commemoration of his contribution to the nation.

The ceremony was held at 11 am on 2 July 2026 in Mumbai. The Chief Minister's Office shared the event across English, Marathi, and Hindi, reflecting the multilingual character of Maharashtra's public communication.

Policy Backdrop

Maharashtra governments have maintained a long-standing practice of honouring independence-era figures through bust unveilings and memorial events at official or prominent public venues. Such ceremonies serve as state-endorsed affirmations of the contributions made by regional freedom fighters who may not always receive national-level recognition.

The presence of CM Fadnavis as the central figure in the unveiling — described in the post as performing the act 'karakamalon se' (with his own hands) — underscores the significance the state government attaches to the occasion. These events also function as moments of institutional memory, linking current governance to the independence movement.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by a broad cross-section of Maharashtra's ruling coalition and the Darda family. Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Girish Mahajan, Adv. Ashish Shelar, and Sanjay Rathod were all present, signalling broad political participation in the tribute.

From the Darda family and their institution, Vijay Darda, Chairman of the Lokmat Media Group, and Rajendra Darda, Editor-in-Chief of the group, attended the ceremony. Their presence alongside senior state ministers highlighted the intertwined legacy of the Darda family in Maharashtra's public, political, and media life.

What's Next

The unveiling is likely to be followed by related cultural or commemorative programming, as Maharashtra's government has shown consistent interest in expanding public memorials for freedom fighters across Mumbai and other districts. Such events often catalyse further state-supported heritage initiatives in the months that follow.

For the Lokmat Media Group, the bust stands as a permanent institutional tribute to its founder's dual legacy — as a participant in the freedom struggle and as a builder of one of Maharashtra's most enduring media organisations.