NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday alleged that multiple conditions were violated during the transfer of land allotted for the Maharashtra BJP’s new headquarters in south Mumbai.
In a post on X, Pawar claimed that authorities had overlooked several irregularities simply because the land was being used for the saffron party’s office. His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the new BJP office near Churchgate railway station.
According to the news agency PTI, Pawar, who serves as NCP (SP) general secretary, said he and other party representatives met BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to discuss the issue in detail.
“We submitted a memorandum listing all our queries and objections. The Commissioner assured us that a written clarification would be provided soon, and we are awaiting that response,” Pawar stated.
He further questioned the administration’s transparency and demanded a thorough inquiry into the land allotment process.
“This involves valuable public land, and citizens deserve to know the truth,” he said, urging the BMC to disclose all details related to the lease and transfer process.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims made by Rohit Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, clarifying that the BJP had purchased private land near Churchgate station following all legal procedures and with due permissions.
As per PTI, Fadnavis said the upcoming building, designed by architect Hafiz Contractor, will be completed within two to two-and-a-half years, with an emphasis on functionality, low maintenance, and ample parking space.
“Only the necessary FSI has been used,” he added.
Maharashtra govt orders checking of sugar institute funds; Rohit Pawar claims Baramati targeted
The Maharashtra government has directed the sugar commissioner to form a committee to audit the funds provided to the Pune-based Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) for research and verify whether they were appropriately utilised, officials said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, however, said the order issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was not part of a routine process. The decision to form the committee indicates that the ruling BJP has now “turned its attention” to Baramati after Thane.
Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is the president of VSI, while Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and rival NCP leader Ajit Pawar is a member of the research institute.
Baramati in Pune district is the Pawar family`s stronghold, while Thane is the political turf of Shiv Sena leader and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Maharashtra`s Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Kolte said, “We generally collect Re 1 per tonne of crushed sugar for VSI from the sugar mills in the state, and the funds collected are used for research and development activities in the sugar industry. In a cabinet meeting held on September 30, instructions were given to form a committee to check how these funds are being utilised,” reported PTI.
“On Monday, we received the minutes of the meeting, and accordingly, the committee will be formed,” he said.
Asked if there was any complaint over the utilisation of funds, Kolte said there was none.
“It was discussed in the cabinet meeting, and accordingly, the minutes have been received,” he added.
