The recent land grab allegation made by former Pune Police Commissioner Meera Borwankar against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been categorically denied by the Deputy Chief Minister. In this allegation, Borwankar claimed that in 2010, while serving as the Guardian Minister of Pune district, Pawar had asked her to transfer three acres of police-owned land to a builder because it had been auctioned.
Ajit Pawar has strongly refuted these claims, asserting that he had no involvement with the matter. He pointed out that he neither signed any documents nor participated in any meetings related to the land in question located in Pune's Yerwada. The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that decisions concerning land transfers are made by the cabinet and revenue authorities, not by guardian ministers.
He also expressed his readiness for an investigation if the situation escalated to that extent, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the government's stance on such matters, even in the face of pressure. Pawar mentioned that the allegations regarding the police land in Pune had initially surfaced in 2008 and referred to a Government Resolution issued in February 2008 that stipulated the utilization of the Yerwada land to meet the growing requirements of Pune Police. According to him, a six-member committee had been formed to examine this issue, and they reportedly submitted a report in October.
Ajit Pawar underscored his practice of treating bureaucrats with due respect while being known for his strict nature. He stated that if any bureaucrat advised him that a matter was legally or ethically problematic, he would immediately abandon it and refrain from exerting any pressure.
In her memoir, Meera Borwankar alluded to the incident without naming any individuals. However, during a press conference, she specifically identified Ajit Pawar as the minister involved and mentioned that the builder in question was Shahid Balwa of DB Realty, who was later arrested in connection with the 2G scam.
Furthermore, she highlighted the "nexus" between builders and the government, warning citizens to remain vigilant. Both the Congress and Rohit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have called for a judicial investigation into the matter, adding to the controversy.
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