Pune: Damania Demands Ajit Pawar’s Resignation, Cites Concerns Over Fair Probe in Mundhwa Land Deal

Mundhwa, 18th November 2025: Social activist Anjali Damania on Tuesday strongly criticised the handling of the Mundhwa land deal involving Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and warned that she would approach the court if the Maharashtra state government attempts to cancel the transaction “illegally.”

The controversy began after a parcel of government land in Mundhwa was purchased by Parth Pawar’s company, triggering widespread opposition. While some reports suggested that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar had “cancelled” the deal, the Registration and Stamps department has issued a notice stating that the transaction will not be cancelled unless an amount of ₹42 crore is paid as various charges. The buyer has been given seven more days to respond.

When asked about this development, Damania questioned Ajit Pawar’s authority to intervene in the matter. “Who is Ajit Pawar to cancel this deal? The post of Deputy Chief Minister itself has no constitutional standing. Only the law can decide the cancellation of this transaction. Neither Narendra Modi, nor Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, nor Ajit Pawar can cancel it arbitrarily,” she said. “If the government cancels this deal without following due process, I will challenge it in court.”

Damania visited the disputed site at Tadigutta chowk in Mundhwa earlier in the day and interacted with the original Mahar watan landholders. She said she wanted to verify the facts on the ground before taking a stand. “I always study every case before I fight it. I came here to see who currently controls the land and what activity is taking place,” she said.

According to Damania, security personnel at the gate initially cooperated but refused entry after speaking to a senior official. “The officer I spoke to on the phone was extremely rude. I don’t know who called him, but he denied us permission to enter. I will gather complete details and hold a major press conference tomorrow,” she added.

At present, the land is under possession of Central Government’s Botanical Survey of India. The state government has leased the land.

Damania also raised questions about the pending report of the Muthe Committee, which was expected today. “The report has not been released. No official or committee can claim that everything done here is legal,” she said.

Damania pointed out that the land was leased to the Botanical Garden until 2038 for research purposes. “If the land was under lease, what activities are happening here now? On June 16, some people entered the premises and created a ruckus. I want to know who they were, but officials refused to share information,” she said, calling the behaviour of local officers “highly arrogant.”

When asked whether Ajit Pawar should resign over the controversy, Damania said, “If he had any moral responsibility, he would have resigned. He resigned earlier during the irrigation scam; he should resign now as well. Since he is the guardian minister, can an impartial probe be expected? That is why we demand his resignation.”