Did Ajit Pawar Just Drop a Major Irrigation Controversy Bomb on the BJP?
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Synopsis
Ajit Pawar's explosive claims about inflated irrigation project costs have ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra. As the NCP contests municipal elections, the Deputy Chief Minister's allegations raise questions about the BJP's past. What does this mean for the upcoming elections and the political landscape in Maharashtra?
Key Takeaways
- Ajit Pawar makes serious allegations against the BJP-Shiv Sena government.
- The claims involve a Rs 110 crore inflation in irrigation project costs.
- Pawar indicates he has documentation to support his claims.
- These remarks coincide with the NCP's electoral challenges in Pune.
- The BJP has reacted with skepticism towards Pawar's silence over the years.
Pune, Jan 14 (NationPress) In a remarkable revelation that has captivated Maharashtra's political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has alleged that the former BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government inflated the expenses of an irrigation initiative by Rs 110 crore to raise 'party funds.' This statement surfaces as the NCP is independently contesting municipal polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, creating a direct confrontation with its state-level partner, the BJP.
During a press briefing in Pune, Ajit Pawar claimed that prior to the NCP assuming control in 1999, the government had dramatically increased the costs of the project.
Referring to the Purandar Lift Irrigation scheme, he stated, "The Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC) fell under my oversight. I still possess the records."
"The original estimate for the Purandar scheme was set at a specific figure, but upon my review, I discovered that the costs had soared to Rs 330 crore. When I inquired with the officials about the Rs 110 crore surge, they informed me that Rs 100 crore was added for 'party funds', and an additional Rs 10 crore was tacked on thereafter," he revealed.
Deputy CM Pawar noted that he had scrapped the inflated project at that time.
"I hold the signed documents as proof. Had I released these files earlier, it would have sparked a significant uproar due to the signatures present," he added.
The timing of these assertions is crucial as the NCP is currently engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy in the Pune area against both NCP (SP) and the BJP.
Earlier in the week, Pawar also criticized the BJP, reminding the public that those who once accused him of a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam are now in power alongside him.
DCM Pawar's latest ‘bomb’ is perceived as a direct blow to his current cabinet colleagues, as a BJP leader managed the Irrigation Department during the 1990s. However, the BJP has vigorously responded to these allegations.
Revenue Minister and former state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule challenged Pawar's silence over the past 25 years. "We have an understanding that, regardless of political differences, personal attacks are off-limits. We are puzzled by Ajit Pawar's behavior," Minister Bawankule remarked.
"Pawar is a senior figure, and we did not anticipate this from him. If he possessed these files and evidence back in 1999, why did he remain silent until now? He should have made this public back then," Bawankule stated.
He suggested that Pawar's comments could stem from 'negative feedback' concerning the NCP's chances in the upcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections.
Point of View
It's crucial to remain impartial and objective when reporting on such significant political developments. Ajit Pawar's allegations must be examined thoroughly, considering their timing and potential impact on the electoral landscape in Maharashtra. Maintaining journalistic integrity while providing comprehensive coverage of all perspectives is essential.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ajit Pawar's allegations?
Ajit Pawar has accused the previous BJP-Shiv Sena government of inflating irrigation project costs by Rs 110 crore to raise funds for the party.
Why are these allegations significant?
These claims come as the NCP is contesting municipal elections, directly challenging the BJP, making the timing and content of the allegations particularly impactful.
How has the BJP responded?
BJP leaders, including Chandrashekhar Bawankule, have questioned Pawar's silence over the past 25 years and have expressed confusion regarding his recent outbursts.
