Ajit Pawar Addresses Longstanding Irrigation Scam Allegations Amid Political Storm
In a politically charged address, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar spoke on Saturday about his lengthy entanglement with legal inquiries over the alleged Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam. Pawar’s statement follows heightened tensions within Maharashtra’s political landscape, as the Congress party recently called for a renewed investigation into the allegations. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh went further, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing coercion and blackmail to persuade Pawar, who also serves as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Ajit Pawar Responds to 14-Year-Old Allegations
The irrigation scam, which surfaced in 2010, has since been a topic of scrutiny for Pawar, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He remarked, “Allegations were put against me in 2010. It has been 14 years since then. I have gone through all the inquiries. I have gone through ACP, Departmental, ED, and Income Tax inquiries. All the central and state agencies who have the authority inquired me”. Pawar’s statement seemingly reflects the toll that numerous investigations have taken, each conducted by a different arm of law enforcement, from state-level ACP probes to central agency investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax authorities.
Ajit Pawar has weathered waves of scrutiny regarding his alleged role in mismanaging funds allocated for irrigation projects. The allegations accuse him of enabling cost escalations and awarding contracts to favoured entities, effectively diverting funds away from intended infrastructure improvements. Despite these charges, Pawar has maintained his innocence, asserting that the inquiries have yet to substantiate the accusations.
Congress Alleges BJP’s Tactics of Coercion
Following Pawar’s statement, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media to emphasize his view that the BJP’s approach was part of a broader pattern. “The BJP’s washing machine is an all-India phenomenon, but perhaps nowhere was it more powerful than in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has now confirmed that blackmail and coercion surrounding these charges were used by the BJP to bring him over to the NDA”, Ramesh wrote. This statement has further fueled speculation that the BJP used the pending investigation as leverage over Pawar.
Ramesh highlighted that the allegations against Ajit Pawar were once endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had publicly criticized the NCP chief. According to Ramesh, this tactic underscores a trend where opposition leaders facing allegations are often brought under the NDA fold. Ramesh’s call for an investigation-points to a demand for transparency in a matter he believes has implications for Maharashtra’s governance and the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
The Alleged Role of Fadnavis in the Inquiry
Ramesh also cited Pawar’s revelation regarding a pivotal moment involving former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. As Pawar recounted, during Fadnavis’s tenure, the Chief Minister allegedly showed him a file with recommendations for an open inquiry into the irrigation scam. Pawar interpreted the display of this file as an implicit threat, suggesting that Fadnavis was hinting at potential legal action should he resist aligning with the BJP. “One can only imagine the threat that was implicit in this move: submit to us, or face action”, Ramesh noted, underscoring the perceived pressure exerted on Pawar.
Pawar himself commented on this event, describing how the encounter with Fadnavis left him feeling deeply disheartened. In his own words, “In 2014, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government came into power. One day, he invited me to his home and showed me a file that was pending for the Chief Minister’s signature. Previously, this file had been signed by our Home Minister, RR Patil, initiating an open inquiry into the scam. I personally saw that [RR Patil’s] signature and felt very disappointed”. He lamented that a colleague he had supported, former Home Minister RR Patil, had signed the file recommending an inquiry into the scam, a move he saw as a betrayal.
Ramesh Calls for Investigation into Breach of Confidentiality
The Congress General Secretary’s comments did not stop at the allegations of coercion. Ramesh also criticized what he perceived as a violation of confidentiality and even the Official Secrets Act. The sharing of confidential information regarding the open inquiry file, he argued, breached protocol and ethical boundaries. “This is a serious matter since it also involves not just the use of coercion and blackmail, but also breach of the oath of confidentiality and the Official Secrets Act. An investigation should be conducted into this matter”, Ramesh wrote, urging for a probe into potential misuse of official power and procedure.
A Legacy of Intrigue and Allegiances
Ajit Pawar’s recent remarks have placed a spotlight back on Maharashtra’s political arena, where shifting alliances and political maneuvering are a common feature. Notably, Pawar’s nephew, Yugendra Pawar, has emerged as a competitor for the NCP chief’s traditional stronghold of Baramati, suggesting that challenges to Pawar’s political influence are emerging from within his own family. This intra-party competition adds another layer of complexity to his political career, already marked by controversies and coalition adjustments.
Looking Forward: An Intensified Demand for Transparency
The demands for further investigation into Ajit Pawar’s case may extend beyond Maharashtra, as the Congress’s allegations add to the ongoing conversation regarding the role of central agencies in state politics. As political analysts observe, this case may set a precedent, emphasizing the need for independence and transparency in how investigative agencies operate in politically charged cases.
As Ajit Pawar prepares for his re-election campaign, questions surrounding his past and present affiliations remain unresolved, leaving Maharashtra’s political landscape rife with tension. The long-standing accusations, recent revelations, and ensuing calls for accountability highlight an ongoing conflict over power and political influence in one of India’s most significant states. With Maharashtra’s electorate watching closely, the coming months may reveal how these tensions shape both Pawar’s future and the larger narrative of political alliances in India.
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