Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve has launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning the integrity of a committee formed to investigate the controversial VITS hotel deal involving the son of Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat. Danve alleged the probe panel's composition suggests a blatant attempt to bury the case rather than ensure a fair investigation.
Allegations of a "Blatant Cover-Up"
In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, Danve directly challenged Fadnavis over the structure of the nine-member inquiry committee. The panel is headed by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district collector and includes officials from various government departments.
Danve's post argued that the investigation is compromised from the start, as the very administrative office that handled the files related to the alleged misconduct in the VITS Hotel deal, involving Dhanada Corporation, will now probe itself. "What kind of high power committee is this, @Dev Fadnavis ji? This is nothing but a blatant cover-up of the case," Danve wrote.
Demand for an Impartial Probe
The opposition leader laid out what he believes would constitute a credible inquiry. He stated that if a senior gazetted officer at the secretary level or a judge was appointed as the chairman, and officers from outside the district were included, it would have demonstrated a commitment to justice. "As it stands now, this committee is nothing but a mere showpiece," he added.
Along with his critique, Danve shared a letter dated November 19 issued by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisional commissioner Jitendra Papalkar. The letter formally named the nine-member panel under the district collector and directed it to submit its report within eight days.
Background of the VITS Hotel Controversy
The controversy stems from a company owned by Sanjay Shirsat's son, Siddhant, winning the tender for Hotel VITS at a price alleged to be significantly undervalued. Following intense criticism from opposition parties, Shirsat announced that his son had withdrawn from the auction process.
However, the issue was far from over. Ambadas Danve raised the matter during the budget session of the State Legislature, prompting Deputy CM Fadnavis to promise a formal inquiry into the entire auction process.
When contacted by the media, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Collector Deelip Swami confirmed that the inquiry is still ongoing. "The report has not been submitted yet. We are still checking different details," Swami stated. Attempts to reach Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or Deputy CM Fadnavis for comments on Danve's objections regarding the panel's composition were unsuccessful.
The political showdown highlights the ongoing tensions in Maharashtra's political landscape, with the opposition keen to hold the ruling alliance accountable for allegations of impropriety.
