Mumbai, November 9, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has initiated a probe into a controversial land deal involving a company linked to Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The deal has triggered a political storm, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launching a scathing attack, labeling it "land theft after vote theft".
The controversy revolves around the alleged transfer of a 40-acre parcel of 'Mahar Watan' land in Pune's Mundhwa area to Amadea Enterprises LLP, where Parth Pawar is a partner. The land, reportedly worth ₹1,800 crore, was allegedly acquired for ₹300 crore, with allegations of a stamp duty waiver on the deal.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Maharashtra government of facilitating the "land theft," alleging that the land, originally reserved for Dalits, was sold at a throwaway price to a company linked to Ajit Pawar's son. Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, implying that the central government was protecting those who "usurp the rights of Dalits and the deprived". He further claimed that the state government, which he alleges came to power through "vote theft," is now engaging in "land theft".
The Maharashtra government has responded by ordering a high-level probe into the matter. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the issue appears serious and has instructed officials to share all relevant details. The inquiry will be conducted by Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, and will investigate the nature of the land, allegations of illegalities, and whether due procedure was followed. Fadnavis has vowed that "no one will be spared" if found guilty.
In addition to the probe, the government has suspended a sub-registrar, R.B. Taru, for alleged irregularities in registering the sale deed and causing loss to the exchequer. An FIR has been registered against Taru, Sheetal Tejwani (who held power of attorney for the land), and Digvijay Patil, partner in Amadea Enterprises LLP, for alleged misappropriation, cheating, and evasion of stamp duty.
Ajit Pawar has defended his son, claiming that Parth and his business partner were unaware that the land belonged to the government. He stated that the deal has since been cancelled and that no money or possession of the land exchanged hands. Pawar added that a government-appointed committee will submit its report within a month. He has also instructed officials to take action against any other land deals involving his relatives if any irregularities are found.
Despite Ajit Pawar's claims, officials have indicated that Amadea Enterprises LLP will have to pay double the stamp duty, amounting to ₹42 crore, to get the transaction cancelled. The firm had initially sought a stamp duty exemption, claiming a data center was proposed on the land.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has called for a detailed investigation into the matter, stating that the government should conduct a probe and present the facts before the public. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has demanded that the state government release a 'white paper' on land transactions in Pune and Mumbai and hold a full-day discussion on the issue during the upcoming winter session of the state legislature.
The controversy continues to unfold, with investigations ongoing and political tensions rising. The outcome of the probe and the actions taken by the government will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
