The Pune Land Deal Scandal has sparked political turmoil in Maharashtra, drawing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar into damage-control mode. On Friday, he privately met with Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, his senior leader Praful Patel and state president Sunil Tatkare to discuss ways to diffuse the controversy of questionable land acquisition near Pune.
The allegations relate to Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, who allegedly purchased 40 acres of government-owned “Mahar Vatan” land illegally. The land had a prior lease lasting until 1958 when it reverted to the state government and was designated for use as a botanical garden. Notwithstanding this designation, Parth reportedly purchased this land for Rs 300 crore, which is near Rs 2,000 crore in market value.
Ajit Pawar Tries to distance himself from the crisis
According to sources close to the Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar is making an effort to separate himself from the scandal by stating that he did not know about the deal and his son was acting independently. Despite Ajit Pawar’s denials, opposition parties are accusing the Pawar family of improperly using political power to gain an illegal advantage with respect to state land.
As a way to placate the situation, sources said Ajit Pawar offered to give the land back to the government. During Ajit Pawar’s visit with Chief Minister Fadnavis, the agreement had been to allow the Chief Minister to say that there was nothing left to violate once the land is returned. A statement like that could let Ajit Pawar resign without any embarrassment.
Fadnavis Plans Administrative Action Over Land Deal Scandal
In order to show accountability, the state government plans to suspend exactly who in the lower-level of the Revenue Department. These suspensions will take steps to hold employees accountable for procedural violations related to the transaction. According to a senior official, this step of administrative action would reflect accountability with protection for the senior leadership.
“Ajit Pawar is willing to return the land to end the controversy” in his meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. It was discussed that he would return the land to the government and since the land will be restored, the Chief Minister can say, “since the land is restored, there is nothing to violate, and therefore, there is no need for Pawar to resign”, the source said.
Inquiry Committee Formed to Review Land Deal
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) to constitute a six-member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge. The committee has to report back within a month.
According to the GR, the committee is primarily responsible for examining the irregularities in the Pune land transaction. It will investigate how the transaction was completed, who compromised public trust and ultimately recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
Committee to Propose Preventive Measures
If the allegations are found to be valid, the committee will recommend that the state government reclaim ownership of the land, and propose procedures to prevent similar irregularities with future transactions.
The controversy has put Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Fadnavis in a politically awkward situation. Unlike Pawar, who is working on maintaining his public persona and his leadership in the NCP, Fadnavis is navigating a complicated situation as he will strive to be forthright about the entire process which has drawn a lot of attention across Maharashtra.
The final outcome of the investigation will probably determine not only the fate of the land in question, but also the political standing of one of the most powerful leaders in the state.
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