Political Storm Over Mundhwa Land Deal Intensifies
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has firmly dismissed demands for his resignation while a fellow minister has raised questions about a Rs 42 crore notice served to his son Parth Pawar's company in the controversial Mundhwa land deal case.
The political drama unfolded in Pune on Wednesday when Pawar told reporters he would "take an appropriate decision depending on the dictates of my conscience" when asked about resignation calls by RTI activist Anjali Damania.
Minister Questions IGR's Notice
In a significant development, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule jumped to the defense of Parth Pawar, questioning why the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) had served a Rs 42 crore notice to Amadea Enterprises when the project had already been cancelled.
"The committee set up to probe the land deal will also look into the Rs 42 crore notice for the government land where the company was to come up," Bawankule stated during his interaction with reporters in Pune.
The minister elaborated that since the project was being scrapped, authorities needed to examine the justification for demanding such a substantial amount. "While cancelling the project, we will have to examine why we are taking Rs 42 crore. And why the notice was given?" he questioned.
Activist's Allegations and Committee Concerns
The controversy erupted after RTI activist Anjali Damania demanded that an FIR be registered against both Ajit Pawar and his son for alleged irregularities in the multi-crore Mundhwa land deal.
Damania raised serious concerns about the impartiality of the investigation committee, pointing out that "five members out of the six are from Pune" and questioning whether such a composition could deliver an unbiased probe.
She insisted that Pawar should step down from his positions as both Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister until the investigation concludes.
Political Reactions and Defense
NCP spokesperson Suraj Chavan came to the party's defense, noting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already established a committee to investigate the land deal. "After the committee report comes in one month, it will be placed before the people when things will become crystal clear," Chavan stated.
He suggested that some elements were "deliberately targetting NCP" in what appears to be a politically motivated campaign.
BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban echoed similar sentiments, asserting that "Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has already clarified that he has nothing to do with the land deal." He emphasized that under Fadnavis's leadership, people could expect a fair investigation and that the deal has already been cancelled.
Investigation Timeline and Actions
Bawankule confirmed that immediate action had been taken against those found prima facie guilty in the Mundhwa land deal case. A committee comprising top officials has been directed to submit its report within one month.
"After we receive the report, everything will become clear. If more people are found guilty, then action will be taken against them," the Revenue Minister assured, while declining to comment further until the committee completes its investigation.
The Department of Registration and Stamps had served the notice to Amadea Enterprises on Friday, demanding payment of Rs 42 crore as stamp duty. This amount comprised Rs 21 crore for the stamp duty that was initially waived when the sale agreement was signed, and another Rs 21 crore as stamp duty applied when the firm sought to cancel the deal.
As the political battle intensifies, all eyes remain on the investigation committee's report expected within the next month, which promises to bring clarity to this complex financial and political controversy.
