Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has ignited a major political controversy in Pune. He claims the estimated cost of the Purandar lift irrigation scheme was artificially inflated by a staggering Rs110 crore during the previous BJP-Shiv Sena government's tenure from 1995 to 1999. Pawar alleges this was done specifically to generate funds for political parties.
Allegations of Systematic Inflation
Ajit Pawar made these explosive allegations during his final press conference for the civic poll campaign on Tuesday. He stated that after the government changed in 1999, he took charge as the irrigation minister. He also headed the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation at that time.
Senior officials immediately flagged serious irregularities in the Purandar scheme to him. Pawar directed the concerned department to conduct a complete re-estimation of the project costs.
Revised Figures Reveal Massive Discrepancy
The re-estimation process yielded shocking results. The project cost, which was originally finalized at Rs330 crore, was revised downward to just Rs220 crore. This revealed a massive Rs110 crore discrepancy.
When Ajit Pawar questioned officials about this enormous difference, they provided a disturbing explanation. They claimed they were instructed to add Rs100 crore to the approved estimate specifically to raise party funds. Furthermore, another Rs10 crore was allegedly inflated by the officials themselves for personal siphoning.
Pawar asserts he possesses files and documents with signatures that support all these allegations. He says some people advised him to initiate legal action at the time, but he chose not to pursue the matter then.
Political Reactions Pour In
The allegations have drawn sharp and immediate reactions from allies and opponents across Maharashtra's political landscape.
Eknath Khadse, who served as irrigation minister during the period in question, strongly reacted to the claims. Khadse was with the BJP at that time. He stated he was completely unaware of any such irregularities. He also questioned why Ajit Pawar waited twenty-six years to raise this issue.
"If he knew about the corruption and chose not to disclose it, it amounts to shielding it," Khadse told reporters in Jalgaon on Wednesday. The former minister, who quit the BJP a few years ago, added that Pawar is now part of the government. He should therefore open the relevant files and order a proper investigation immediately.
Questions Over Timing and Credibility
Senior BJP member and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule commented on the timing of the allegations. He said the claims would carry some credibility if they were made back in 1999. Raising them now, however, serves little practical purpose according to Bawankule. He expressed disappointment, stating this is not something one would expect from a senior leader like Ajit Pawar.
Congress politician Vijay Wadettiwar suggested this issue is not an isolated case. He added that such corruption continues even today, though the faces involved and the methods used may have changed over time.
Calls for Transparency and Action
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the incident raises serious questions about the inaction of key institutions. He specifically mentioned the anti-corruption bureau and the Election Commission. Raut stated that since Ajit Pawar claims to have evidence, he should come out openly and place all details before the public for scrutiny.
Former Official Corroborates Claims
Adding significant weight to the controversy, Vijay Pandhare came forward. Pandhare is a former member of the state technical committee responsible for reviewing irrigation project estimates. He confirmed that Ajit Pawar's allegations are true.
Pandhare told media that corruption in the irrigation department was widespread during that period. He claimed there are more than one hundred projects across Maharashtra where similar irregularities occurred. Despite numerous complaints to concerned officials, no concrete action was ever taken according to his account.
About the Purandar Scheme
The Purandar lift irrigation scheme was a significant state government initiative. It was launched to draw water from the Mula, Mutha and Pavana rivers. The primary goal was to irrigate drought-prone areas in Pune district. These areas specifically included Purandar, Baramati and Haveli. The project was meant to provide crucial water security for agricultural communities in the region.
The political storm shows no signs of abating as more reactions are expected in the coming days. The allegations have put a spotlight on historical irrigation projects and raised fresh questions about accountability and transparency in public spending.
