Maharashtra Deputy CM Faces Heat Over Son's Land Deal
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar broke his silence on Wednesday regarding activist Anjali Damania's demand for his resignation over an alleged Rs 300-crore land deal in Pune that involves his son, Parth Pawar. The senior politician stated he would "use his conscience" before making any decision about stepping down from his position.
The Controversial Land Transaction Details
The controversy centers around approximately 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area, which authorities reportedly valued at Rs 1,800 crore. This valuable property was sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP for only Rs 300 crore. The transaction raised eyebrows because Parth Pawar holds a 99% partnership stake in the purchasing firm.
Following allegations of serious irregularities in the deal, the Maharashtra government took swift action by cancelling the sale deed and suspending several officials involved in the transaction. The state administration has ordered a comprehensive inquiry led by senior IAS officer Vikas Kharge to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Activist's Allegations and Government Response
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania has been vocal in her criticism, demanding Ajit Pawar's immediate resignation from both his ministerial posts. She argues that a fair investigation is impossible while the deputy chief minister remains in power, accusing him of shielding his son from legal consequences.
"As long as Ajit Pawar is in power, a fair investigation is impossible. He must step down from both posts. Parth Pawar holds a 99% stake in the firm and yet no FIR has been registered against him," Damania told reporters during a press interaction.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that FIRs have been registered against three individuals connected to the transaction, though he clarified that Parth Pawar's name doesn't appear in the sale deed documents. The minister assured that the firm has received official notice to pay double stamp duty of Rs 42 crore to complete the cancellation process.
Pawar's Defense and Political Implications
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has strongly denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as "random accusations" strategically raised before local body elections. He maintained that his son was unaware the land in question was government-owned property when the deal was initiated.
"I still don't understand how a document can be registered without even a rupee being exchanged. The truth will come out soon," Pawar stated during his interaction with reporters in Pune.
The veteran politician revealed he had already briefed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the situation and welcomed the ordered inquiry. He emphasized that he would never support any wrongdoing, even if committed by someone close to him. Pawar described the entire episode as "a lesson" for his son to exercise greater caution in future business dealings.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Bawankule reiterated the government's commitment to an impartial investigation, confirming that the probe would continue independently under Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge's leadership without any political interference.
