Amid a growing controversy surrounding a Pune land deal linked to his son, Parth Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced the cancellation of the transaction on Friday. The deal, which involved a 40-acre plot in the upscale Mundhwa area of Pune, has been under scrutiny due to allegations of irregularities and a potential loss to the government.
Pawar stated that his son, Parth, and his business partner were unaware that the land in question was government property and therefore could not be sold. He emphasized that "not a single paisa was exchanged" in the deal and that the registration of documents related to the sale had been cancelled. To further address the allegations, Pawar said he had requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to launch an investigation into the matter.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that the land, reportedly worth ₹1,800 crore, was sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a company where Parth Pawar is a partner, for ₹300 crore. Concerns were also raised regarding a stamp duty waiver of ₹21 crore. Opposition leaders alleged that the land, classified as 'Mahar Watan' land, could not have been sold without government permission.
In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Fadnavis formed a high-level probe committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, to investigate the deal. The committee has been given a month to submit its report. Pawar has assured full cooperation with the investigation and stated that no one should be spared if found guilty, including his family.
Pawar defended his 35-year political career, asserting that he has always adhered to rules and has never supported wrongdoing. He also addressed the exclusion of his son's name from the FIR, referencing Revenue Minister Bawankule's clarification that the action was taken only against those who physically presented themselves for registration.
The opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the deal, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi describing it as "land theft" and questioning Prime Minister Modi's silence on the issue. Social activist Anna Hazare also weighed in, stating that ministers should be held responsible if their children are involved in wrongdoing.
The cancellation of the land deal and the ongoing investigation highlight the importance of transparency and ethical governance in land transactions, particularly when government land is involved. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant political ramifications for Ajit Pawar and the ruling coalition in Maharashtra.
