Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar broke his silence on Saturday regarding the controversial Pune land deal allegedly involving his grandnephew Parth Pawar, emphasizing that while the Pawar family remains united personally, they are divided ideologically and politically.
Family Unity Amid Political Divisions
The veteran politician addressed the ongoing controversy during a press interaction, stating clearly that "as a family, we are one, but we are divided ideologically." He elaborated on the political rifts within the family, noting that "one of my grandnephews contested against Ajit Pawar, and Ajit Pawar's wife contested against my daughter."
Pawar stressed the clear separation between "administration, politics, and family" in his remarks, which come amid growing political turmoil surrounding the alleged illegal sale of approximately 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area.
The Pune Land Deal Controversy
The political storm centers around a massive land transaction valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore in Pune's prime Mundhwa locality. Opposition parties have leveled serious allegations that a company connected to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, acquired the government land for merely Rs 300 crore, reportedly benefiting from a stamp duty waiver.
Ajit Pawar has categorically denied any involvement in the transaction, but the allegations have created significant political waves across Maharashtra. The case has drawn attention to what critics call preferential treatment in high-value land deals.
Call for Transparent Investigation
Sharad Pawar expressed support for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's announcement of an investigation into the matter. "The chief minister has said publicly that the matter is serious. So he should conduct a probe and put the facts before society," Pawar told reporters.
Fadnavis had earlier confirmed that FIRs had been filed against the signatories and vendors involved in the deal during his visit to Gadchiroli. He assured that "those found guilty in the probe will be booked. Action is being taken as per the law."
When questioned about whether Ajit Pawar was facing political targeting from allies within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the NCP (SP) chief responded with a simple "I wouldn't know," maintaining his distance from the internal dynamics of the ruling coalition.
Distancing From Daughter's Defense
In a significant development, Sharad Pawar appeared to distance himself from his daughter and NCP MP Supriya Sule's earlier defense of Parth Pawar. Sule had previously stated that she didn't believe Parth "would do anything wrong."
Responding to his daughter's comments, Pawar simply said, "This could be her view," indicating that he didn't necessarily share her perspective on the matter.
Political Strategy and Alliances
Looking ahead to upcoming political battles, the NCP (SP) chief revealed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies would soon meet to finalize their strategy for the approaching local body elections. "We (NCP-SP) are meeting tomorrow to decide our strategy and consider inducting new partners," he announced.
Pawar hinted at potential coordination with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), suggesting that "if a good alternative emerges through consensus in MVA, the Congress should not take an extreme stance on the MNS and should think about it."
Criticism of Government's Farmer Policies
Beyond the land deal controversy, Pawar launched a sharp critique of the state government's handling of farmers affected by unseasonal rains, describing its loan waiver announcement as "deceptive."
He invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom comprised hardworking people and farmers. Shivaji Maharaj always took care of farmers. However, this is not happening now."
The veteran leader emphasized that "the help announced by the government has not yet reached many farmers. The loan waiver announcement seems like a fraud," highlighting what he perceives as the administration's failure to address agricultural distress effectively.
The Pune land deal controversy continues to dominate Maharashtra's political landscape, with the Pawar family finding itself at the center of both political and personal scrutiny as investigations proceed and election preparations intensify.
