Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a multiple-time Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Pawar’s contribution to the development of his region was significant. Over the years, several corruption allegations and investigations have been linked to his name.
Highlights of Ajit Pawar Corruption Cases
| Case / Issue | Alleged Amount | Agency Involved | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vidarbha Irrigation Scam | ₹70,000 crore (claimed) | ACB | No charges against Ajit Pawar |
| VIDC Tender Irregularities | Multiple projects | ACB | 9 cases closed, others under probe |
| MSCB Scam | ₹25,000 crore | ED, Mumbai Police | Investigation ongoing |
| Balganga Project | — | ACB | Statement recorded, no charges |
| Son’s Land Case | — | State agencies | Under review |
Irrigation Scam Allegations (₹70,000 Crore Claim)
One of the most talked controversies about Ajit Pawar was the Vidarbha Irrigation Scam, alleged to be worth nearly ₹70,000 crore.
Key points
- The allegations related to irrigation projects executed by the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC).
- BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, accused the NCP government of massive irregularities.
- Ajit Pawar was then the Water Resources Minister.
ACB Investigation Outcome:
- Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) examined 45 projects and 2,656 tenders.
- FIRs were registered in 24 cases against contractors and officials.
- Nine inquiries were closed, as no irregularities were found.
- ACB officially stated Ajit Pawar was not named in those nine closed cases.
Ajit Pawar resigned as Deputy CM in 2012 due to political pressure but later returned after no direct charges were proven.
Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) Scam
Another major controversy linked to Ajit Pawar is the MSCB Scam, estimated at around ₹25,000 crore.
Case details:
- Alleged irregularities in loans given to sugar mills.
- FIR registered by Mumbai Police.
- Enforcement Directorate (ED) later registered a money laundering case.
- Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar were named in the FIR.
Status:
- Investigations are ongoing.
- No conviction has been recorded against Ajit Pawar so far.
- The matter remains legally sub judice.
ACB Closure of Nine Cases After Ajit Pawar Joined BJP Alliance
Soon after Ajit Pawar joined hands with the BJP and became Deputy CM, the ACB closed nine irrigation-related inquiries, leading to strong political reactions.
What ACB clarified
- Ajit Pawar’s name did not appear in those nine cases.
- No irregularities were found.
- Closures were termed routine administrative decisions.
Political reaction:
- Congress accused BJP and ACB of “misusing institutions”.
- Congress leaders called it a “contract killing of accountability”.
- NCP leaders supporting Ajit Pawar said the closure proved allegations were false.
Other Allegations and Controversies
- Ajit Pawar’s statement was recorded in the Balganga Irrigation Project inquiry (2015).
- Criminal cases were filed against contractors, not Ajit Pawar.
- His son Parth Pawar has also faced allegations in a separate Pune land deal, which is under scrutiny.
Ajit Pawar became Deputy Chief Minister five times. He won the Baramati Assembly seat eight consecutive times. Regained political strength after the NCP split in 2023.
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