Ajit Pawar Responds to Resignation Demands Over Controversial Land Deal Involving Son's Firm

Ajit Pawar indicated he would rely on his conscience when making a decision regarding calls for his resignation.

Pune:

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responded on Wednesday to an activist's demand for his resignation following a controversial land deal involving his son's company, stating he would consult his conscience before making any decision.

The controversy centers around a private firm connected to Pawar's son Parth, which was involved in a now-canceled Rs 300-crore transaction for a government plot in Pune's Mundhwa area.

After opposition criticism and allegations of improprieties emerged, the Maharashtra government last week nullified the deal and initiated an investigation led by a senior IAS officer from the revenue department.

Social activist Anjali Damania has publicly called for Ajit Pawar to step down over what she terms an alleged land scam.

When questioned by reporters in Pune about Damania's resignation demand, the deputy Chief Minister responded, "I will use my conscience and take a decision."

Pawar has stood by his son throughout the controversy, asserting that Parth was not aware the land purchased by the company was government property.

Addressing a separate question regarding the November 10 car explosion in Delhi, Pawar mentioned that a security review meeting had taken place in Mumbai on Tuesday, resulting in Maharashtra being placed under high alert.

"Yesterday we were in Mumbai and had a discussion with the Chief Minister. He instructed all police officers to be on high alert during the meeting. We have communicated with all relevant parties. Security situations in major cities are always reassessed following such incidents," he added.