Pardeshi-led team headed for Denmark, 'hosts paying’

Chaitanya.Marpakwar Mumbai: Days after CMDevendra Fadnavis directed cancellation of foreign tours of ministers,officials and legislators, the Dy CM Eknath Shinde-led urban development (UD) departmentcleared an 8-day visit to Denmark for a delegation led by MITRA (MaharashtraInstitution for Transformation) CEO Praveen Pardeshi. The visit, starting May16, is for ‘technical awareness on climate-smart water infrastructure.’A govt resolution (GR) said, “The entire expenses of thisforeign tour will be borne by the Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi.” It added, “TheCentre’s Ministry of External Affairs has granted e-political clearance for thetour on May 14, 2026.” Apart from Pardeshi, the 5-member delegation includesSolapur municipal commissioner Sachin Ombase, standing committee chairpersonof Solapur civic body Ranjita Chakote and Umred mayor Prajakta Adamane. Officials said Danish ambassador to India RasmusAbildgaard Kristensen wrote to CM Fadnavis asking him to allow the delegationdespite the current situation. Kristensen’s letter to Fadnavis said, “TheDanish govt has paid for the entire visit including the tickets and their stay,therefore I request you to kindly grant your permission for this visit to be undertakenas all preparations are completed and funds have already been spent. Variousteams in Denmark are ready to receive the delegation. I understand and deeplyrespect the current situation. I write simply to convey that the delegation -including a senior team from the World Bank - is in place, and that Maharashtra’sparticipation would be a significant and valued contribution to what promisesto be an important exchange for both our countries.”