Maharashtra Land Scandal: Ajit Pawar Advises Son on Rs 1,800 Crore Government Property Deal Under Investigation

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized that an investigation has been initiated with a report expected within a month regarding the controversial land deal.

Mumbai:

In response to opposition criticism over an alleged undervalued sale of government land in Pune—worth approximately Rs 1,800 crore but reportedly sold for just Rs 300 crore to a company where his son is a partner—Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged that this transaction should not have occurred. He offered advice to his son Parth, suggesting he view this situation as a learning experience and thoroughly examine all future proposals, even if it requires "paying fees" for professional consultation.

The controversy centers around Amadea Enterprises LLP, where Parth Pawar holds partnership, allegedly acquiring 43 acres of government land in Pune at significantly below market value. This land reportedly belonged to the 'Watan' category designated for the Mahar community and could not legally be transferred without government authorization under the Bombay Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act of 1958.

Reports indicate that a stamp duty exemption was ordered shortly after the agreement, with Parth's company paying only Rs 500 on the Rs 300-crore transaction.

On Friday, Ajit Pawar claimed that Parth and his business partner Digvijay Patil were unaware they were purchasing government property and believed the transaction was legitimate and lawful. He further stated that the sale had not been finalized and no money had changed hands.

When questioned further on Saturday, the NCP leader stated he took immediate action upon learning about the deal.

"The sale deed should never have been executed. The registrar should not have processed it. Upon discovering this situation, I insisted on proper examination for all involved parties," the Deputy Chief Minister explained, noting that two cases have been registered and procedural violations by a tehsildar have been identified.

"Two FIRs have been filed. A committee headed by the additional chief secretary (revenue), including the Pune divisional commissioner, collector, settlement commissioner and inspector general of registration, has been established with a one-month deadline. They've been instructed to prevent future occurrences and investigate whether any calls were made or pressure exerted," he elaborated.

When asked about advice for his son, Pawar suggested Parth should consider this a valuable lesson.

"Even when trusted associates make recommendations, always seek guidance from appropriate experts like attorneys, even if consulting fees are required."

Return Land: Congress MP To PM

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Handore has written to the Prime Minister requesting restoration of Mahar Watan and historically allocated lands to Scheduled Caste and Adivasi families, asserting that the recent incident had "again exposed the exploitation of these communities."

Handore explained that this land system originated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who granted land to Dalit soldiers and tribal groups in recognition of their service and to support their livelihoods. He alleged that over the past two decades, influential individuals had forcibly acquired such lands across various districts, depriving marginalized families of their means of subsistence.

Regarding the Pune case, he stated that the alleged illegal acquisition by Parth Pawar had generated anger "throughout Maharashtra" and urged the central government to ensure the land is returned to rightful beneficiaries following investigation.

Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal also accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of protecting influential figures involved in questionable land deals and demanded a comprehensive white paper on land allocations in the state. He called for a full-day discussion on this issue in the Assembly.

"New scams emerge daily, yet no action is taken. A white paper must be published and discussed for an entire day during the winter session," he insisted.