Maharashtra CM Orders Investigation into Rs 1,804 Crore Land Deal Involving Deputy CM's Son

Mumbai/Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has initiated an investigation into allegations of a land scam in Pune involving Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The company owned by the National Congress Party (NCP) leader's son faces serious accusations regarding a Rs 300 crore land deal for a property reportedly valued at Rs 1,804 crore, with additional allegations of receiving substantial illegal concessions.

The Chief Minister has firmly stated that his administration will not tolerate such irregularities and promised decisive action following the investigation. "If irregularities are found, action will certainly be taken. Our coalition government is committed to transparency, so this matter will be thoroughly investigated to determine if any violations occurred, and appropriate strict measures will follow," Fadnavis declared.

Fadnavis mentioned he has requested comprehensive information from both Revenue and Land Records departments concerning the case. He assured that the government would take an official position based on the investigation's findings.

"The issues that have emerged initially appear very serious. Therefore, I will provide detailed comments only after receiving complete information," the Chief Minister added.

The controversy centers around Amedia Holdings LLP, owned by Parth Pawar, which allegedly purchased land in Pune for approximately Rs 300 crore despite its market valuation of Rs 1,804 crore. Reports indicate a stamp duty waiver was ordered merely two days after the transaction, with the company paying only Rs 500 as stamp duty on the substantial Rs 300 crore deal.

Another significant concern is that the land falls under the 'Watan' category, land awarded to the Mahar community, which cannot legally be sold without government permission under the Bombay Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act, 1958.

Social activist Anjali Damania has characterized this as an "office of profit" case and called for Ajit Pawar's resignation from his position as deputy chief minister.

Opposition parties have strongly criticized both the Pawar family and the government regarding this transaction. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve pointed out that Amedia reportedly has a capital of just Rs 1 lakh.

"The company has begun preparations for an IT park and data center in Koregaon Park, Pune, where real estate values are extremely high. How could a company with merely Rs 1 lakh in capital undertake such a project, especially on Mahar Watan land?" Danve questioned.

He further questioned the unusual speed of the stamp duty waiver, granted within 48 hours of the company's resolution to construct an IT park, and how its proposal received approval despite the company lacking relevant experience.

"This entire transaction was completed in just 27 days, with a stamp duty of only Rs 500 for a 40-acre land deal! They invoke the names of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar while appropriating Mahar Watan land. This represents Ajit Dada's vision of progressive Maharashtra," Danve criticized.

Congress leader Vijay Waddettiwar has demanded the filing of a criminal case and the return of the land to its original owners.

NCP state president and MP Sunil Tatkare has reserved comment, stating he would respond after gathering more information about the situation.