Maharashtra Chief Minister Initiates Investigation into Pune Land Deal Involving Ajit Pawar's Son

Investigation Ordered by Chief Minister

On Thursday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an investigation into claims of misconduct related to a land transaction in Pune, which involves a company associated with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar.

The inquiry will be overseen by Vikas Kharge, the Additional Chief Secretary for Revenue, as reported by a local news outlet.

During a press briefing in Nagpur, Fadnavis stated that he has requested information from the departments responsible for revenue and land records, instructing them to carry out a thorough investigation.

He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations that have surfaced.

Fadnavis remarked, "Our coalition government is committed to transparency, and this issue will be examined to ascertain if any irregularities exist, with strict measures to follow if necessary."

Details of the Controversial Land Sale

The controversy revolves around the sale of approximately 40 acres of land located in Koregaon Park, Pune, which is reportedly owned by Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm co-founded by Parth Pawar.

This land is categorized as Mahar Watan land, historically allocated to the Mahar Scheduled Caste community, and cannot be sold without the approval of the state government.

Opposition parties have accused the government of selling this land, valued at around Rs 1,800 crore, to the company for just Rs 300 crore, with a stamp duty exemption allegedly granted within 48 hours of the transaction.

Government Actions and Reactions

The original stamp duty was estimated at Rs 21 crore, according to reports.

In response to the allegations, the state government has suspended a tehsildar and a sub-registrar.

Ajit Pawar, who leads a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, stated that he supports the chief minister's decision to investigate, asserting that it is within his rights.

He denied any involvement in the land deal, explaining, "When your children grow up, they pursue their own business ventures."

Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that the government will check if the regulations regarding Mahar Watan land and stamp duty exemptions were adhered to.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Ambadas Danve raised concerns about how a company with a mere Rs 1 lakh share capital could acquire such valuable land and obtain a waiver so swiftly.

Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal has called for Ajit Pawar's resignation over the matter.

Conversely, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, urged the government to clarify the situation, noting conflicting reports about the transaction and whether stamp duty was paid.

Sule, who is Ajit Pawar's cousin, mentioned, "If people claim I am supporting Parth, I have no issue with that... I spoke to him this morning, and he assured me he has done nothing wrong."

Political Alliances and Background

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance consists of the Uddhav Sena, Sharad Pawar's NCP faction, and the Congress.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and the NCP group led by Ajit Pawar.

In 2019, Parth Pawar ran for a Lok Sabha seat from the Maval constituency but was unsuccessful.