Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar claimed on Tuesday that his former colleague and then-Home Minister, the late RR Patil, "backstabbed" him by ordering an open inquiry into the alleged ?70,000 crore irrigation scam. Speaking at a rally in Tasgaon for NCP candidate Sanjay Kaka Patil, who is contesting against RR Patil's son, Rohit Patil, Pawar revealed that the inquiry was authorized by Patil and confirmed to him years later by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who became chief minister in 2014.
The alleged irrigation scam claimed irregularities amounting to ?70,000 crore, a figure Pawar described as unrealistic. He clarified that total salaries and expenses in the project amounted to ?42,000 crore, questioning how the alleged fraud could reach such a high figure. Pawar asserted that this inflated number was used to damage his reputation and cast doubt on his role in the project.
?Allegations were levelled against me in an irrigation scam. Attempts were made to defame me, with a claim of ?70,000 crore in irregularities, which is unrealistic considering the total expense,? he said.
Pawar recounted that a file recommending an inquiry had been prepared and was sent to the home department, then under RR Patil. He alleged that Patil approved the open inquiry and documented his decision in the file. Pawar expressed his shock, describing it as "backstabbing" given their close working relationship. The investigation was initially stalled by the then-Governor during President's Rule but moved forward when Fadnavis assumed office and signed the file, later showing Pawar the document with Patil's remarks.
?A file was forwarded to the home department led by RR Patil. He ordered an open inquiry and noted it in the file. This was a case of betrayal,? he said, adding that he had felt deeply hurt by Patil?s actions.
Pawar explained that the accusations disturbed him to the extent that he resigned from his role as Deputy Chief Minister at the time. RR Patil's son, Rohit, responded to these claims by questioning Pawar?s timing, noting that his father, who passed away in 2015, could have defended himself if he were alive.
?Why is this issue being brought up nine years after my father?s death? My father knew the truth and would have clarified it himself,? Rohit Patil stated.
In the Tasgaon-Kavthe Mahankal constituency, the NCP has nominated Sanjay Kaka Patil, a former BJP leader and two-term MP, in what has become a direct contest with Rohit Patil, the candidate of the Mahavikas Aghadi. The competition has become more intense due to the longstanding connections and rivalries among the candidates, highlighting deep-rooted political tensions in the region.
