Former Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately raising the Mundhwa land deal issue to weaken Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's position ahead of the upcoming civic polls.
The controversy revolves around the alleged illegal sale of 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area. Opposition leaders claim the land, reportedly worth ₹1,800 crore, was sold to a company linked to Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, for just ₹300 crore, with a stamp duty waiver of ₹21 crore. Parth Pawar is allegedly a partner in Amadea Enterprises LLP, the company involved in the deal.
Wadettiwar's allegations surfaced amidst growing political sparring within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He suggested the BJP is using the issue to gain political leverage before the civic elections. Following accusations against BJP's Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol in the Pune Jain Boarding case and claims about Parth Pawar's land purchase, Wadettiwar has made serious allegations.
Ajit Pawar has distanced himself from the transaction, stating he learned about it months ago and would not tolerate any wrongdoing. He claimed his son was unaware the land was government property and that the ₹300 crore land deal has been cancelled. Pawar has ordered a probe into the matter, assuring impartiality and no political interference.
However, Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil suggested that Ajit Pawar's "busy schedule" may have delayed his response to the controversy. Vikhe Patil, a former Congressman, has a history of political rivalry with the Pawar family.
An FIR has already been registered against three individuals, including a company partner and a government official, for allegedly causing loss to the exchequer. Inspector General of Registration Ravindra Binwade said a high-level committee has been formed to examine how the government-owned land was sold to a private firm and whether the stamp duty exemption followed due procedure.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned that his government will not shield anyone found guilty of wrongdoing. He stated that action would be taken against any new names or links that emerge during the investigation.
Meanwhile, Parth Pawar has denied any wrongdoing in the deal. His aunt, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, has defended him, expressing confidence that he would not do anything wrong.
The controversy has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra, with opposition parties demanding action against those involved. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has called for action against the original owner of the company. BJP MP Narayan Rane has also taken a dig at Ajit Pawar over his comments defending his son.
