Ajit Pawar (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said that a land deal involving his son Parth Pawar has been cancelled amid allegations of irregularities in the transaction. Pawar maintained that neither he nor his office had any role in the matter and stressed that transparency and adherence to the law remain his top priorities.In a statement issued, Pawar said: “In the past few days, some reports have appeared in the media regarding a land transaction involving a company in which my son, Parth Pawar, is a director. Yesterday, I had said that I would address this matter again after obtaining complete information.” He added: ” I want to make it clear that neither I nor my office made any phone calls, gave any help, or had any role or knowledge about this transaction at any stage.” Addressing reporters, Pawar said, “I have never flouted any rules in my 35-year political career. If anyone from my family or anyone close to me does something wrong, I will never support it. I have gathered all information about the case and spoken to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. I told him he can order a probe.” He confirmed that the sale documents and related transactions “have been cancelled” and that the government has constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The panel is expected to submit its report within a month.Pawar further said that he has directed all officials under him not to succumb to any pressure, even if someone uses his name to influence a decision.”There is no transaction in the related case as yet. FIR has also been registered in the said case. Who had put pressure on officers, who were involved, who had carried out the transaction, everything will be investigated,” he added.In a formal statement issued, Pawar clarified that the deal was only an agreement to purchase land and no payment had been made by Parth or his firm, Amadea Enterprises LLP. My son Parth says that the proposed deal was within the ambit of the law and was completely above board. However, in public life, we must not allow even the suspicion of wrongdoing. Since allegations of wrongdoing have been made, he has agreed to cancel the deal. The required document for cancellation of the sale deed has already been submitted to the registering authority,” the statement read.He reiterated that neither he nor his office made any calls or provided assistance at any stage.“I have always worked within the limits of law and rules. Every decision I take is based on fairness and legality. These principles apply equally to everyone, including my family members,” Pawar added. He further emphasised that the NCP and its members hold themselves to “the highest standards of probity and accountability.”The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that a company linked to Parth Pawar had agreed to buy 40 acres of government land in Pune’s Mundhwa area, valued around Rs 1,800 crore for Rs 300 crore, allegedly bypassing due procedures and stamp duty. The land was said to have been purchased by a firm linked to Parth Pawar for Rs 300 crore, with a significantly reduced stamp duty.Following preliminary findings, the state government suspended a sub-registrar and registered an FIR against three individuals, including a company partner and a government official. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the inquiry will determine whether any irregularities occurred. He further added that “strict action will be taken if wrongdoing is established.”Meanwhile, political reactions have intensified. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that government land reserved for Dalits had been sold “at a throwaway price” to a minister’s family member, calling it “land theft.” He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue.Pawar further said that an inquiry committee has been appointed to investigate the matter and urged anyone with relevant information or evidence to come forward and present it before the panel.“The government has appointed an inquiry committee to look into the matter. Anyone who has information or evidence should present it before the committee. The truth will emerge through this process, and if anyone is found responsible for any wrongdoing, action will be taken,” he said. Go to Source
