In a fresh controversy, prominent Right to Information (RTI) activist Vijay Kumbhar on Monday leveled serious allegations against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kumbhar claimed that the NCP's Pune office, located opposite the Shivajinagar Metro station, is housed in a building constructed in an unauthorised manner on land belonging to a charitable trust.
Details of the Allegation and Trust Land Violation
Addressing reporters, Kumbhar presented documents pertaining to the land in question. He explained that the plot legally belongs to a charitable trust. According to regulations governing such trusts, the land can only be given out on lease and cannot be sold outright. The trust had initially approached the office of the Charity Commissioner seeking permission to develop a building on a portion of the plot and to execute a lease deed for the same.
After receiving the necessary permission for a lease, the trust floated a tender. Three firms responded, and one was awarded the contract. However, Kumbhar alleges a major deviation from the agreed terms. "The firm sold the property after developing it, instead of leasing it as was mandated," the activist stated, highlighting the core of the alleged illegality.
NCP's Move and Previous Controversies
The plot thickened last year when the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, inaugurated its Pune city office in the very same building. Kumbhar has strongly questioned the political party's decision to set up base there. "NCP led by the deputy chief minister should not open its office in a building which stands unauthorised," he asserted.
Kumbhar has been a vocal critic of Ajit Pawar, particularly concerning the ongoing Mundhwa land deal issue. In that case, a private firm owned by Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, is involved. The state government has already formed an inquiry committee to investigate the Mundhwa deal.
To bolster his latest claim, Kumbhar pointed out that the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) had previously taken action against the developer of this property. The regulatory body had placed the project in abeyance and frozen the project account due to irregularities.
NCP's Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
When contacted for a response, NCP's Pune city unit president, Subhash Jagtap, defended the party's position. He stated, "We took all necessary permissions before opening our party office. We have required documents in our possession." This sets the stage for a potential clash of documents and legal interpretations.
The allegations bring the spotlight back on issues of land use, trust law compliance, and the conduct of public figures. The matter is likely to fuel further political debate in Maharashtra, especially with the existing inquiry into the related Mundhwa land deal still underway.
