NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday responded to activist Anjali Damania's demand for his resignation over an alleged Rs 300-crore land deal in Pune, saying he would “use his conscience” earlier than making any resolution.An organization linked to his son, Parth Pawar is on the centre of the controversy surrounding the acquisition of government-owned land in Pune's Mundhwa space.The state authorities has since scrapped the deal and ordered an inquiry led by senior IAS officer Vikas Kharge.“I'll use my conscience and take a call,” Pawar advised reporters in Pune when requested about Damania's resignation demand, information company PTI reported.
The land deal controversy
The controversy includes round 40 acres of presidency land, reportedly valued at Rs 1,800 crore, which was bought to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a agency during which Parth Pawar holds a 99% partnership for Rs 300 crore. Following allegations of irregularities, the federal government cancelled the sale deed and suspended a number of officers.Income minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that FIRs have been registered towards three people concerned within the transaction however mentioned Parth Pawar's identify was not included, because it didn't seem within the sale deed. Nonetheless, the agency has been issued a discover to pay double stamp responsibility of Rs 42 crore to finish the cancellation course of.Bawankule added that activist Anjali Damania met him on Wednesday and submitted paperwork associated to the case.“I've advised her that if she has any proofs, she will submit them to the inquiry committee,” he mentioned, assuring that the probe can be free from interference.
Activist's allegations and demand
Anjali Damania accused Ajit Pawar of defending his son and mentioned a good probe can't occur whereas he stays in workplace, information company United Information of India (UNI) reported. “So long as Ajit Pawar is in energy, a good investigation is not possible. He should step down from each posts. Parth Pawar holds a 99% stake within the agency and but no FIR has been registered towards him,” Damania advised reporters.She urged the state to register a case towards Parth and guarantee transparency within the inquiry.
Pawar's defence and political response
The deputy CM has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “random accusations” raised earlier than native physique elections. He maintained that Parth was unaware the land was government-owned.“I nonetheless don't perceive how a doc might be registered with out even a rupee being exchanged. The reality will come out quickly,” he mentioned.He additionally mentioned he had already briefed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and welcomed the inquiry.“If anybody near me has executed one thing improper, I'll by no means assist it. I've advised the Chief Minister to order a probe,” Pawar mentioned. He added that the problem was “a lesson” for his son to be extra cautious in future dealings.In the meantime, minister Bawankule reiterated that the inquiry would proceed independently below ACS Vikas Kharge.Bawankule mentioned the officer heading the inquiry is trustworthy and that there can be no interference within the investigation.
