Pune, February 7, 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s lighthearted moment during an event at Chakan became a topic of discussion when he jokingly pointed an AK-47 rifle at media representatives. The incident occurred at the inauguration of the Nibe Defence and Aerospace Company’s small arms manufacturing facility, officiated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Speaking at the event, Fadnavis emphasized that while the central government has designated Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as defence manufacturing clusters, Maharashtra—especially Pune—is the real hub of defence production in the country. The event was attended by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Industries Minister Uday Samant, and Nibe Group Chairman and Managing Director Ganesh Nibe.

Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s role in defence innovation, stating that in 2017, the state launched a defence production policy with financial provisions to support entrepreneurs. As a result, 300 new startups have successfully established their businesses. He also pointed out that major economies dominate the world due to their strong defence manufacturing sectors and that India, through initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ now has a significant opportunity in this field.

During the tour of the Nibe Group’s manufacturing facility, both Fadnavis and Pawar inspected advanced weaponry. It was at this moment that Ajit Pawar, holding an AK-47, humorously remarked to media representatives, “If you don’t publish news about the Mahayuti (grand alliance), watch what happens.” His comment elicited laughter from the audience.

Pawar further noted that while AK-47 rifles previously cost ₹2 lakh, they are now being manufactured for just ₹40,000, thanks to innovations by Ganesh Nibe and his team.