BJP Leaders Criticize Ajit Pawar's Response to Son's Controversial Land Deal in Maharashtra

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his son Parth are at the center of a political controversy in Maharashtra.

A contentious land acquisition connected to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth, has provided fresh ammunition for the NCP leader's traditional political adversaries to criticize his reaction to the allegations. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP currently serve as components of the governing Mahayuti coalition.

In response to Ajit Pawar's previous statement that "when your children grow up, they conduct their own business," BJP MP Narayan Rane remarked on Saturday, "Children can grow up, but they should remain obedient. What more can I express about this matter?"

Despite being a former outspoken critic of Ajit Pawar, Rane declined to provide additional comments regarding the situation.

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has suggested that Ajit Pawar's "busy schedule" might have contributed to his delayed response to the controversy.

"Had Ajit Pawar taken action when he initially learned about the Pune land issue, this predicament might have been avoided. However, considering his demanding schedule, certain decisions occasionally occur automatically," Vikhe Patil informed reporters on Friday.

Vikhe Patil, formerly affiliated with the Congress party, has maintained a decades-long political rivalry with the Pawars in western Maharashtra.

The controversy involves the alleged improper sale of 40 acres of government property in Pune's Mundhwa area, reportedly valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore, which Opposition figures claim was acquired by a company connected to Ajit Pawar's son Parth for merely Rs 300 crore with a stamp duty exemption.

While authorities filed an FIR on Thursday against three individuals, including one of the company partners and a government official, for causing financial loss to the state treasury, Ajit Pawar denied any involvement in the transaction.

He stated that he had become aware of the matter several months ago and had clearly communicated that he would not accept any misconduct.