Ajit Pawar Issues Clarification On Son's Pune Land Deal Row

Amidst a significant controversy surrounding his son's alleged acquisition of government land in Pune, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has come forward to defend his son Parth. Pawar stated that both Parth and his business associate were unaware that the land their company acquired was state-owned. He further mentioned that the contentious deal has been annulled.

The allegations involve undervaluation, procedural irregularities, and misuse of political influence in acquiring a 40-acre plot. This land, reportedly sold to Amedea Enterprises-a firm where Parth is a partner-for approximately Rs 300 crore, allegedly holds an actual market value nearing Rs 1,800 crore.

Investigation and Cancellation

A committee appointed by the government is investigating the Rs 300-crore deal and will present its findings within a month. An interim report from the Revenue Secretary highlighted serious malpractices in this transaction. "The registration of documents related to the deal has been cancelled, and affidavits to this effect have been submitted to the authorities," Pawar stated.

Pawar emphasized that no money had exchanged hands and that the land remains government property, which cannot be sold. He clarified that neither Parth nor his partner Digvijay Patil knew about this fact. The NCP leader asserted that based on current information, it appears the deal was only an agreement to purchase without any payment or possession transfer.

Ongoing Enquiry

The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that an enquiry led by Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge will determine how the registration occurred and who is responsible. The report is expected within a month. Pawar added that there was no pressure on authorities to transfer the land to Parth's company.

As tensions rose, a high-level investigation was initiated, resulting in an FIR against other individuals involved in the sale deed. This includes an authorised signatory for the purchasing firm and a suspended sub-registrar for alleged misappropriation, cheating, and stamp duty evasion.

Response to Allegations

Pawar noted that three people are named in the FIR, including partner Patil but not his son. Only these three visited the registrar's office for document signing. He instructed officials to cancel any other land deals involving his relatives if irregularities are detected.

On Friday, Pawar was actively addressing these allegations through numerous high-stakes meetings. His day began with discussions with senior party leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare at his Devgiri residence and concluded with a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Varsha Bungalow to tackle this escalating crisis.