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New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis formed an inquiry committee on Thursday to investigate the allegations regarding a Pune land deal. It has been alleged that the land deal has irregularities involving a company that links with Parth Pawar, the son of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge will conduct the inquiry into the high-profile incident. CM Fadnavis told reporters at Nagpur, “I have sought all the information regarding the issue. The revenue department, IGR, and land records have been asked to submit. I have also directed that an appropriate inquiry be held. Serious issues are coming forward at the primary level. Therefore, I will speak only after taking the necessary information."
He further said, “I believe that even the deputy chief minister would not support such a deal. Because we have unanimity in the government, wherever irregularity has taken place, action should be taken. We will verify whether there is an irregularity or not and will accordingly take action."
When the media attempted to question Ajit Pawar during an election rally at the Worli Dome on Thursday, he refused to comment on the issue. It is alleged that his company purchased land worth Rs 1,804 crore for a mere Rs 300 crore in Pune. Meanwhile, Parth Pawar has reportedly said, “I have not committed any scam. I have done nothing wrong."
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “I will have to check whether the stamp duty exemption was given as per the law. There is a specific law when it comes to Mahar watan land. Stamp duty exemption is for specific purposes. I have ordered a probe to check whether the provisions of the law pertaining to Mahar watan land have been followed."
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders, including Baramati MP Supriya Sule, have slammed the government over the alleged scam. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve has questioned the sale of the land, and Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has demanded the resignation of Ajit Pawar.
