Irrigation Scam: Allegations Are Mala Fide, No Need To Hand Over Probe To CBI; Ajit Pawar Tells Bombay HC

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court stating that all allegations against him in the alleged Rs.70,000 crore irrigation scam were "without merit" and "malafide" and also said there was no need for the investigations to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The bench of Justice SB Shukre and Justice Madhav Jamdar has been hearing a batch of PILs seeking an enquiry by the CBI in the said multi-crore scam which is currently being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The agency has already given the Deputy CM a clean chit stating in an affidavit last month that Pawar, who was the water resources minister during the NCP-Cong government at the relevant time, was not involved in any way in the said scam.

In 2011-12. state's economic survey concluded that after spending Rs.70,000 crore over a period of ten years the irrigation potential of the State increased by merely 0.1%. It has been alleged that in the run-up to the 2009 election, 32 projects worth Rs. 17,700 crore was sanctioned.

According to the petitioners, Pawar had scrapped two circulars issued for ensuring scrutiny in cases where the initial budget estimate of a project has been increased substantially. However, ACB told the Court that in the 12 projects undertaken by the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC), VIDC chairman not Pawar had colluded with contractors while issuing tenders for projects, causing a loss to the state exchequer.

Pawar's affidavit states-

"It is a known fact that most of the investigation conducted, FIRs registered and charge sheets filed were during the term of the previous government in which the present respondent (Pawar) was a prominent leader in the opposition."

It was also argued by Pawar in the affidavit that merely because the ACB has given him a clean chit, the petitioner cannot seek CBI probe or judicial inquiry.

It is further stated in the said affidavit-

"Every decision has been taken as per law and in line with procedures and I have not favoured anyone. All contracts were awarded by the department in accordance with rules and did not warrant my interference. I have not indulged in any corrupt, malafide or motivated act while discharging my duties as minister."

This matter was adjourned and will now come up for hearing on February 13.