The controversy surrounding a Pune land deal involving Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has intensified, prompting Ajit Pawar to publicly address the issue and distance himself from the transaction. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Friday, Pawar stated that Parth did not consult him regarding the deal and that he was unaware the land in question was government property.
The issue revolves around a 40-acre plot in Pune's Mundhwa area, reportedly owned by the government, which was allegedly sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a company where Parth Pawar is a partner. The reported sale price was ₹300 crore, significantly lower than the estimated market value of ₹1,800 crore, raising concerns about undervaluation and procedural breaches.
Ajit Pawar has maintained that neither he nor his office had any involvement, knowledge, or role in the transaction at any stage. He emphasized that it was merely an agreement to buy land, with no payment made by Parth, his company, or any family member, and no transfer of possession. He stated that the registration of the sale has been revoked.
"Parth and his associate were not aware that the land was owned by the government," Pawar stated. He added that his son believed the proposed deal was within the ambit of the law. "However, in public life, we must not allow even the suspicion of wrongdoing," Pawar said, explaining the decision to cancel the deal. The required documents for cancellation have been submitted.
An FIR has been lodged by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, naming three individuals accused of cheating, forgery, and evasion of stamp duty. Parth Pawar's name is not mentioned in the FIR, as he allegedly did not sign or visit the registration office. Ajit Pawar referenced a statement by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, noting that the FIR targets those present at the registration office during the transaction.
The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into the matter, led by Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, to investigate the registration process and identify those responsible for its authorization. The committee is expected to submit its findings within a month. Ajit Pawar has welcomed the probe, assuring full cooperation and emphasizing that the truth will emerge.
This is not the only land transaction involving Parth Pawar that has come under scrutiny. Ajit Pawar mentioned another transaction in Pune's Bopodi area, stating he was unaware of it and would not have allowed it had he known.
The controversy has drawn reactions from various political figures. Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP-SP Chief, stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has deemed it a serious issue and called for an inquiry to present the real picture to the public. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has termed the transaction a "theft of land reserved for Dalits". Activist Anna Hazare has also weighed in, stating that if a minister's children are involved in wrongdoing, the minister should be held responsible.
Ajit Pawar's stance reflects a clear attempt to distance himself from the controversy and uphold his image of integrity. By emphasizing his lack of knowledge and support for a thorough investigation, he aims to mitigate any potential damage to his reputation and political standing.
