As the political furore continues in Maharashtra over the Koregaon Park land deal in Pune involving Ajit Pawar’s son Partha, the Deputy Chief Minister on Friday claimed that his son was not aware that the land in question was government land.
The 40-acre plot in the posh Mundhwa area was bought by a firm in which Parth Pawar is a partner. ₹300 crore, while the stamp duty required, said to be Rs ₹21 crore, was also waived off.
However, in damage control, Ajit Pawar, who is also the state finance minister, said his son Parth did not know that the land purchased by his company in Pune belonged to the government.
He informed that ₹300 million land deal, which the opposition claims was worth ₹1800 crore, has now been cancelled.
Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is part of the ruling BJP-led coalition in the state, said there was no pressure from the authorities to transfer the land to Parth Pawar (Amadea Enterprises LLP).
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What did Ajit Pawar say?
“The land in question is a government land which cannot be sold. Parth and his partner Digvijay Patil were not aware of this fact,” Pawar claimed.
The Deputy CM added that when the probe is completed, it will be known how the registration was done and who is responsible for it.
“The investigation into the Pune land deal should be conducted in an impartial manner, without political interference,” Pawar said.
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“If anyone commits wrongdoing…”: Devendra Fadnavis warns
As opposition parties continue to raise the issue and target the ruling dispensation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned that if anyone commits wrongdoing, this government will never protect him.
“If new names or links emerge during the investigation, action will also be taken against them,” Fadnavis said.
The CM said action would be taken against anyone found guilty. “This government is not protecting anyone or hiding anything.
A high-level commission was formed
A high-level committee headed by Additional Principal Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge has been formed. The committee, which will also include the Pune District Collector, is expected to submit its report within 30 days and recommend remedial measures.
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The opposition demands action
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said a case has been registered against individuals associated with the deal, but action should also be taken against the original owner of the company.
He also demanded action against the tax department and the directorate of industries in connection with this agreement.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve questioned the company’s source ₹300 million for the purchase of land.
“Where and how it brings society ₹300 million to purchase land and what is the source of this company ₹300 million?”
Danve also asked Devendra Fadnavis why Ajit Pawar’s resignation was not decided, given his emphasis on ethics and transparent governance.
“Government tax evasion is defrauding the government, so why wasn’t a case filed against Parth Pawar?” Danve added.
