Pune: MLA Rohit Pawar Vows to Fight ED Chargesheet in Supreme Court, Says Case Meant to Suppress His Voice
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Shivajinagar, 12th July 2025: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar group) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday lashed out at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing the central agency of filing a baseless chargesheet against him in connection with the Kannad Cooperative Sugar Factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar asserted he has done nothing wrong and vowed to fight the case all the way to the Supreme Court.
“We are not the kind who run away or are afraid. We will fight and win this battle in court, because we have not done anything wrong,” Pawar said during an interaction with the media at Moti Bagh.
The ED has filed a chargesheet against Rohit Pawar, alleging irregularities in the purchase of the Kannad factory by Baramati Agro Ltd., a firm associated with him. According to the ED, the purchase violated norms set by the Reserve Bank of India and was carried out during a period of regulatory scrutiny on the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank.
Pawar Refutes Allegations, Shares Timeline
Detailing the history of the factory’s acquisition, Pawar said, “In 2009, MAC Bank issued a tender notice for the sale of the factory for ₹32 crore due to non-repayment of loans. In 2011, NABARD’s inspection report revealed financial discrepancies in MSC Bank, prompting the Reserve Bank to appoint an administrator. It was under this administrator that Baramati Agro took over the factory in 2012, through the third round of tendering.”
Pawar added that the initial NABARD report listed over 100 individuals, but his name was not among them. “It was only later that my name was dragged into the case. This is not a coincidence. This chargesheet is an attempt to suppress my voice because I have consistently spoken out against the government, including during the recent Assembly convention.”
ED Interrogation and Political Overtones
Pawar also revealed that he had been questioned by the ED twice last year, each time for 12 hours. “I provided them with all documents and responses. They found nothing, yet they filed the chargesheet,” he said, terming the move politically motivated.
He added, “This isn’t just about me. It’s about a larger fight for justice. We will not bow before Delhi. We believe in the judiciary and will get justice.”
On Party Leadership and Jayant Patil’s Future
Rohit Pawar also addressed recent speculation over internal party changes, including the future of NCP state president Jayant Patil. Denying reports that he sought Patil’s position, Pawar clarified, “I have never said I want to become state president. Let anyone take the post. Jayant Patil’s guidance will remain valuable at the national level. Neither I, nor Sharad Pawar, nor Supriya Sule, want him out of the party.”
He strongly dismissed rumours about Patil joining the BJP, saying, “Jayant Patil is not someone who is afraid. He will not quit. These claims are false and politically motivated.”
Pawar revealed that the NCP (Sharad Pawar group) has suggested four names for the new state president post, and a decision may be announced by July 15. He said he would accept any smaller role and continue to work for the party.
