The recent news surrounding the alleged illegal sale of government land in Pune to a company associated with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, has deeply troubled me. The reports, particularly from the Times of India Ajit Pawar’s son Parth in Rs 300-cr land deal controversy: sub-registrar suspended; CM Devendra Fadnavis calls issue ‘serious’ | Pune News - The Times of India, detail a Rs 300-crore land transaction involving 40 acres of government-owned Mahar Vatan land transferred to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm where Parth Pawar is a partner alongside Digvijay Patil.
The gravity of the allegations is underscored by the reported waiver of a staggering Rs 21 crore in stamp duty and the concern that government property was illegally sold to a private firm. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (https://in.linkedin.com/in/devendra-fadnavis-a9757322) has rightfully called the issue ‘serious’ and ordered a comprehensive probe. Inspector General of Registration Ravindra Binwade has confirmed an investigation and, as an immediate measure, a sub-registrar has been suspended, recognizing that such a registration of government land should not have occurred in the first place.
This incident brings to the forefront the critical need for transparency and stringent oversight in land transactions, especially those involving public assets. RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar (https://in.linkedin.com/in/vijay-kumbhar-4437756) has pointed out that the land was allegedly purchased significantly below market rate, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve (https://in.linkedin.com/in/ambadas-danve-32235071), who estimates the land's actual worth at Rs 1,800 crore. Danve also questioned how a company with a mere Rs 1 lakh capital could propose an IT park project, and notably, criticized the stamp duty waiver by recalling Ajit Pawar's past statements about people wanting everything for free.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule (https://in.linkedin.com/in/cbawankule) awaits a formal complaint from activist Anjali Damania (https://in.linkedin.com/in/anjali-damania-65804577) to thoroughly examine the case. Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar (https://in.linkedin.com/in/vijay-wadettiwar-office-77b2151bb) has called for a judicial inquiry, stressing the importance of a transparent investigation into the sale of government land without due process.
Reflecting on these events, I find myself returning to thoughts I’ve shared before about accountability and public trust. The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted challenges related to transparency and compliance in the real estate sector, and I had even proposed solutions at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
I’ve long advocated for greater transparency and robust regulatory mechanisms in the real estate sector. In my blog, "A Transparent RERA" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-transparent-rera.html], I emphasized the need for developers to fully disclose legal tangles and for a system of self-certification to ensure adherence to regulations. This recent development underlines precisely why such mechanisms, as reiterated in "RERA Warns Buyers" [http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2025/01/rera-warns-buyers.html], are not just desirable but absolutely essential.
The allegations of corruption and procedural irregularities are not new. As far back as 2011, I wrote about "Corruption Rises in India" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2011/12/corruption-rises-in-india.html], noting India's declining Transparency International ranking. This led me to question if a stronger Lokpal was "Is Lokpal Overdue?" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2013/07/is-lokpal-overdue.html] in 2013. These incidents echo a persistent challenge to good governance.
Furthermore, the role of activists like Vijay Kumbhar and Anjali Damania in bringing these issues to light reminds me of my suggestions in "I-T Dept cracks down" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2025/07/i-t-dept-cracks-down.html] for incentivized whistleblowing and transparent platforms for reporting financial improprieties. Such civic participation is vital in holding power accountable.
Interestingly, I have previously corresponded with Ajit Pawar regarding matters of public finance and project viability, as seen in my blogs "Please Re-examine" [http://emailothers.blogspot.com/2024/01/please-re-examine.html] and "Mumbai-Pune Hyperloop One Project Unlikely" [http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2020/01/mumbai-pune-hyperloop-one-project.html]. My concerns then were about ensuring judicious use of government funds and public resources. The current situation highlights that these concerns remain profoundly relevant.
Ultimately, incidents like these erode public trust and undermine the very foundation of fair governance. It is imperative that the ongoing probe is thorough, transparent, and results in accountability for all involved, upholding the principle that public land is a public trust, not a private commodity for preferential deals.
Regards, Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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