Rahul Gandhi Slams Maharashtra Government Over Rs 1,800 Crore Dalit-Reserved Land Deal Controversy

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a forceful critique against the Maharashtra government following reports that Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, allegedly acquired government land without paying required stamp duty.

In his statement on Friday, Gandhi accused the government of selling Dalit-reserved land in Pune's Koregaon Park area valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore for merely Rs 300 crore, characterizing this transaction as "land theft" perpetrated by a government he claims was established through "vote theft."

Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi declared, "In Maharashtra, government land worth Rs 1800 crore, which was reserved for Dalits, was sold to the minister's son's company for just Rs 300 crore. The stamp duty was also waived - meaning this isn't just robbery, but carries a legal stamp of approval on the theft itself! This represents 'land theft' by a government that came to power through 'vote theft.' They believe that regardless of how much they plunder, they will regain power by manipulating votes again."

Gandhi also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the matter, questioning whether the central government is actively supporting individuals who "usurp the rights of Dalits and the deprived."

"There appears to be no respect for democracy, the public, or Dalit rights. Modi ji, your silence communicates volumes - Are you remaining silent because your government is supported by these very looters who seize the rights of Dalits and the disadvantaged?" Gandhi added in his post.

The controversy centers around a company allegedly owned by the son of the National Congress Party (NCP) chief, which now faces serious allegations regarding a multi-crore land deal.

The Inspector General of Registration in Pune has already submitted an interim report to the Additional Chief Secretary in Mumbai regarding the alleged land scam. According to this preliminary report, property potentially valued at 1,800 crore rupees was transferred to a company connected to Parth Pawar for only Rs 300 crore, with a nominal stamp duty of just Rs 500, apparently circumventing proper procedures for government-associated land transactions.

In response to these findings, one official has been suspended, and the government has established a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the irregularities and financial losses incurred by the state. The committee's final report is expected to be delivered within eight days.