Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur

Nagpur, Nov 11: Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Maharashtra government, demanding legal action against NCP leader Parth Pawar in connection with the controversial Koregaon land deal in Pune.

Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said, “The Koregaon land deal was cancelled only after it came to public attention. Just because the transaction was revoked doesn’t mean no wrongdoing occurred. A thief remains a thief, and Parth Pawar must face action in this case.”

He criticised the MahaYuti government for shifting blame onto officials. “The prime land in Pune was allotted by government officers, and if they are responsible, they too should face action. The Deputy Chief Minister says Parth Pawar was unaware that the land belonged to the government — but such statements cannot absolve him of responsibility. Returning the land doesn’t erase the crime. Can a thief be declared innocent just because he returns stolen goods?” Wadettiwar asked.

He further alleged that Industries Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s organisation was allotted land worth ?100 crore at Mira Road for just ?4 crore to establish a school. “The land was originally reserved for another purpose, but the reservation was altered. This is nothing but land grabbing by ministers and their associates. A full inquiry must be conducted into these deals,” he demanded.

Wadettiwar also criticised senior cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil for his recent remarks against farmers. “Instead of making insulting statements, the government should guarantee minimum support prices and crop insurance for farmers. When big industrialists get loan waivers, why are farmers humiliated for demanding the same? Farmers themselves will teach a lesson to these MahaYuti ministers,” he said.

On political alliances ahead of the upcoming elections, Wadettiwar clarified that the Congress has authorised its local leaders to decide on seat-sharing arrangements at the district level. “Except for the Mumbai civic elections, where Congress will contest independently, local leaders have the freedom to form alliances — including with MNS, BSP, or Vanchit Aghadi,” he stated.

He added, “If Congress and MNS contest together in some districts, it should not come as a surprise. Our only condition is that we will not ally with the MahaYuti constituents — BJP, Ajit Pawar’s NCP, or Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Any Congress leader who chooses to side with them in local elections will face opposition from within the party.”