Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities surrounding a Pune land deal linked to a firm reportedly associated with Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
The move comes amid growing controversy over a transaction in which a company is said to have purchased land worth ₹1,800 crore for just ₹300 crore, allegedly benefiting from a stamp duty waiver of ₹21 crore.
The Inquiry Committee
An official probe has been initiated, to be headed by Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue).
Meanwhile, the Pune District Collector has stated that the sale deed will be cancelled, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The inquiry will look into allegations of graft, undervaluation, and misuse of official power in the land transfer process.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, however, has denied any involvement, asserting that neither he nor his son played any role in the deal.
Who Is Parth Pawar?
Parth Pawar is the son of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and the grand-nephew of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, one of India’s most seasoned politicians with decades of experience as Chief Minister and Union Minister.
Born into one of Maharashtra’s most powerful political families, Parth’s entry into politics was widely seen as part of the Pawar family’s next-generation succession plan.
His Political Debut and Early Setback
Parth made his political debut during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, contesting from the Maval constituency near Pune as a candidate of the then-undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The decision to field Parth was reportedly driven by his father, Ajit Pawar, and supported by the party leadership, including Sharad Pawar, who stepped aside from contesting to make way for the younger Pawar’s entry into electoral politics.
Despite his high-profile surname and strong campaign backing, Parth lost the election by over two lakh votes to Shrirang Barne of the undivided Shiv Sena. The defeat marked a significant early setback for the Pawar family in one of their traditional strongholds.
Following the loss, Parth had told reporters,
“I got into politics a month ago. Give me a year, I will be a pro.”
Since then, Parth has largely kept a low political profile, though he remains active in party affairs and public outreach in Pune district.
The Land Deal Allegations
The current controversy involves a prime parcel of land in Pune, allegedly sold far below its market value. Reports suggest that the buyer company, in which Parth is said to be a partner, acquired the land for ₹300 crore despite its estimated market worth of ₹1,800 crore.
Adding to the controversy is the reported ₹21-crore stamp duty waiver, which has raised questions about potential misuse of policy provisions and administrative favoritism.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
The allegations have triggered sharp political reactions across Maharashtra, with the opposition demanding transparency and accountability.
While Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has denied any wrongdoing, the state government’s decision to initiate a formal inquiry signals that the matter is being treated seriously.
The inquiry committee’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the transaction involved administrative irregularities or financial misconduct.
As the investigation unfolds, Parth Pawar’s name — once known primarily for his high-profile political debut — has resurfaced amid controversy.
The outcome of the Pune land deal probe will likely have wider political implications for the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, especially as Maharashtra’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2026 elections.
