Ajit Pawar Claims Backstabbing Over Irrigation Scam Inquiry in Sangli
- Ajit Pawar accused the late RR Patil of betrayal over an inquiry into an alleged irrigation scam.
- Pawar detailed how a file showing Patil's endorsement of the inquiry was presented to him by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis in 2014.
- The claims highlight internal conflicts within the Nationalist Congress Party and have significant political implications leading to a shift in government support.
During a rally in Tasgaon, Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar expressed feelings of betrayal towards RR Patil, who he claimed initiated an open inquiry into a supposed multi-crore irrigation scam. Pawar, who served as the state’s Water Resources Development Minister from 1999 to 2009, accused Patil of backstabbing him despite their close political ties. The inquiry allegations suggested financial misconduct amounting to ₹70,000 crore, conflicting with the actual project expenses of ₹43,000 crore, creating suspicion towards the motivations behind the public accusations. Pawar revealed that the inquiry file was presented to him by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis after he assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2014. This situation escalated when Pawar discovered that the file, which implicated him, bore Patil's signature, confirming Patil's approval for the inquiry—a revelation that deeply upset Pawar given their history as colleagues. The timing of these allegations was critical; the NCP withdrew its support from the Prithviraj Chavan-led government in 2014, resulting in President's rule, which significantly changed the political landscape in Maharashtra, shifting power dynamics within the NCP and between its partners. This event reflects ongoing tensions within Maharashtra politics and raises questions about the motivations of leaders during that pivotal electoral period. It also casts a shadow on the legacy of RR Patil, following his passing and subsequent political maneuverings involving the NCP.