Calls for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s resignation grew louder this week after an allegedly irregular land transaction in Pune involving a firm linked to his son Parth Pawar came under scrutiny. While activists and opposition parties demanded a judicial probe and immediate accountability, the state government ordered an administrative investigation and urged the public to wait for official findings.
The Mundhwa Land Transaction: What Triggered the Controversy
The dispute revolves around a high-value deal for a government-owned parcel of land in Mundhwa, Pune. At one stage, this transaction was reflected as being worth approximately Rs 294–300 crore involving Amadea Enterprises LLP — a firm which media reports have linked to Parth Pawar.
Key concerns raised include:
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Notices from the registration department
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Questions over unusually low stamp duty payments
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Doubts about whether rules governing government land disposal were followed
Revenue officials, responding to public and political pressure, flagged possible stamp-duty shortfalls. The registration department has instructed its offices to re-examine all major recent land deals. Multiple inquiries have noted that the Mundhwa land was government property, not privately transferable without the required approvals.
Political Fallout: Calls for Resignation and Official Reactions
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania openly demanded Ajit Pawar’s resignation and urged investigators to include Parth Pawar in the probe, alleging that documents show he was aware of the transaction. Opposition parties supported this call and demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge.
Ajit Pawar has rejected the immediate demands for his resignation. Speaking in Pune, he said he would “use his conscience” before taking any decision and denied any personal role in the transaction.
The government has emphasised that a formal fact-finding report is awaited. A six-member administrative committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge is conducting the inquiry.
Legal & Administrative Issues Under Examination
Reports indicate that the registration office has issued a notice seeking around Rs 5.99 crore in unpaid stamp duty. Investigators noted that the sale documents involved a concession claim and payment of just Rs 500, raising questions about compliance.
Legal experts say that:
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Improperly stamped documents involving government land can be declared invalid
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Any bypassing of statutory processes for transferring state-owned property can invite penalties or cancellation
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Recovery of dues and potential legal action could follow if fraud is established
The land’s complex history adds to the scrutiny — originally Mahar watan land, it was declared state property under a 1955 order and later affirmed under the Maharashtra Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act, 1958. Any private sale required explicit collector approval.
Why This Row Matters Politically
The controversy carries significant political weight. Ajit Pawar is not only Deputy Chief Minister but also a central figure in Maharashtra politics. Allegations of irregularities risk damaging the government’s credibility, especially ahead of elections.
Analysts see two crucial dynamics:
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If the probe identifies bureaucratic lapses — the government may frame the issue as administrative, not political.
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If documents tie family members to deliberate rule violations — political pressure on Ajit Pawar to resign will intensify dramatically.
Opposition parties are using the episode to question the government’s transparency and push for judicial oversight.
What Happens Next
1. Administrative Report Expected Soon
The Kharge committee is expected to submit its findings by the end of the month. The government will decide further action based on this report.
2. Possible Legal Measures
Stamp-duty review may lead to fresh notices, recovery actions, or criminal complaints if officials detect intentional wrongdoing.
3. Rising Political Heat
Opposition parties and activists may escalate protests or approach courts if they believe the investigation is slow or incomplete.
Bottom Line
The case is currently in the fact-finding stage. Multiple reviews and media reports have put the Mundhwa land deal under intense scrutiny and created significant political pressure on Ajit Pawar. The outcome now depends heavily on the Kharge committee report and whether investigators uncover evidence of procedural violations or deliberate misconduct.
Until then, Ajit Pawar remains in office — but under sustained public, political, and legal pressure — with critics promising to continue their campaign for full transparency and accountability.
