Rs 1,800-Crore Mundhwa Land Deal Sparks Row: Sharad Pawar Calls For Full Investigation

Sharad Pawar has called for a comprehensive investigation into the controversial land deal allegedly linked to his grandnephew Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The controversy revolves around the reported sale of 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area, valued at around Rs 1,800 crore, to a company associated with Parth Pawar for approximately Rs 300 crore, along with a stamp duty waiver. Opposition parties have alleged that the land was grossly undervalued in the transaction.

Supporting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to order an inquiry, Sharad Pawar urged transparency and demanded that all facts be made public. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar has distanced himself from the controversy, clarifying that neither he nor his son was aware that the land belonged to the government. He also stated that the deal has since been cancelled. Sharad Pawar, however, insisted that the government must treat the issue with due seriousness and ensure that the investigation's findings are shared openly.

When asked whether Ajit Pawar was being targeted politically, Sharad Pawar declined to comment but acknowledged a difference of opinion with his daughter Supriya Sule, who had publicly defended Parth Pawar. He remarked that while the family remains united, their ideological and political perspectives differ.

A high-level probe is currently underway to examine possible procedural lapses in the deal, and an FIR has been registered against other individuals involved, though Parth Pawar has not been named in the complaint.

The controversy has sparked both political and familial tensions, and the outcome of the investigation is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.