Maharashtra CM Orders Inquiry into Controversial Land Deal

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has initiated a high-level investigation into a controversial land deal involving Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The inquiry follows serious allegations regarding the acquisition of a prime property in Pune’s upscale Mundhwa-Koregaon Park area by Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s son.

In a decisive move, Fadnavis has established a three-member committee led by Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department. The committee’s role is to scrutinize how government land was transferred without appropriate authorization and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the waiver of stamp duty on the transaction. Fadnavis characterized the allegations as “prima facie very serious,” underscoring the need for a thorough examination.

The investigation was prompted by claims from Ambadas Danve, the former Leader of Opposition in the State Council, who accused the Pawar family of misusing power in the deal. Danve stated that land valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore was purchased for only Rs 300 crore, with stamp duty of merely Rs 500. He has called for a comprehensive probe into the matter, emphasizing that Parth Pawar’s company, Amedia Enterprises LLP, acquired significant land despite its modest share capital of just Rs 1 lakh.

In response to the allegations, the Revenue Department has taken action by suspending Suryakant Yewale, the Tehsildar, and Ravindra Taru, the Sub-Registrar, for their involvement in the transaction. While Ajit Pawar has refrained from commenting on the situation, Parth Pawar defended himself, stating, “I have not done anything wrong. I have not engaged in any illegal or unethical activity.”

The land in question spans 40 acres and is classified as government-owned under the ‘Watan’ category, which is reserved for the Mahar community. This classification is protected under the Bombay Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act, 1958. The sale to Amedia Enterprises was completed quickly, raising suspicions about the valuation process, which Danve highlighted. He pointed out that Amedia has already begun plans to construct an IT park and data centre on the site.

Danve criticized the rapid approval of Amedia’s project, noting that a resolution to build the IT park was passed on April 22, 2025. Remarkably, within just 48 hours, the Directorate of Industries waived the stamp duty for the project. “Under which rule did the Directorate accept such a proposal from a company with no prior experience and waive the stamp duty?” he questioned, pointing out the speed with which the transaction unfolded. The entire deal was concluded in a mere 27 days, with an unusually low stamp duty charged.

Political reactions to the deal have been significant. Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, has called for a judicial inquiry, labeling the transaction a violation of the law and advocating for transparency in the investigation into Parth Pawar’s company. Additionally, former BJP minister Eknath Khadse, who resigned over a previous land scandal, has urged Ajit Pawar to step down from his position as Deputy Chief Minister until the inquiry concludes.

The investigation into this land deal has captured public attention, raising critical questions about governance and accountability within Maharashtra’s political landscape. As the inquiry proceeds, many will be watching closely to see what findings emerge and what actions will follow.