In a recent statement, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has accused the former BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra of inflating the cost of an irrigation project by Rs 110 crore for collecting “party funds.” Pawar alleged that the project costs were artificially increased before the NCP took office in 1999. Specifically, he highlighted the Purandar Lift Irrigation scheme, revealing that the cost had surged from the original estimate to Rs 330 crore, with an additional Rs 110 crore attributed to “party funds.”
Pawar, who oversees the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation, disclosed that he uncovered the discrepancies in project costs upon assuming office. He emphasized that he had concrete evidence to support his claims, including signed documents that validated the irregularities. The Deputy CM clarified that he had promptly canceled the inflated scheme upon discovering the discrepancies.
The timing of Pawar’s accusations is noteworthy as the NCP is currently engaged in a fierce political battle in the Pune region, contesting municipal elections independently against the BJP and NCP (SP). Earlier, Pawar had also criticized the BJP, highlighting the irony of his accusers now being his political allies in power. His recent revelations are perceived as a direct challenge to his current cabinet colleagues, particularly given the BJP’s historical involvement in the Irrigation Department during the 1990s.
