9 irrigation-scam cases closed. Not linked to Ajit, says ACB
What's the story
Amid the ongoing Maharashtra political drama, it was reported that nine cases in the irrigation scam, in which Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was an accused, have been closed. However, a senior official of the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau said none of the cases were against Pawar. The development comes just two days after Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra.
Details
None of the cases closed today related to Pawar: ACB
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) DG Parambir Singh told ANI, "We are investigating around 3000 tenders in irrigation related complaints. These are routine inquiries which are closed and all ongoing investigations are continuing as they were earlier." Denying reports of cases involving Pawar being closed, Singh added, "None of the cases that were closed today are related to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar."
Twitter Post
Here is the letter
Super exclusive breaking . Anti corruption bureau gives the clean chit to @AjitPawarSpeaks who was alleged involved in the Rs 70,000 Cr irrigation scam. The clean chit is given to today. This investigation file has been closed down today. #MahaPoliticalTwist #MaharashtraCrisis pic.twitter.com/LW5rDlwqIr
— KattaNews (@katta_news) November 25, 2019
Reaction
Shiv Sena Priyanka Chaturvedi condemns 'clean chit' to Pawar
However, before the ACB issued a clarification, Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi had taken a dig at the reported dropping of corruption charges against Pawar, tweeting, "Cases closed, corruption charges dropped, shamelessness to be in power exposed." Separately, Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav told Times Now, "This is 'quid-pro-quo' politics." He took potshots at the BJP for once promising to send Pawar to jail.
Twitter Post
Chaturvedi also insinuated Fadnavis's first signature was to exonerate Pawar
From never, never, never to forever, forever, forever. Temporary CM signing his first order to grant clean chit for his temporary deputy? #MahaDeceit pic.twitter.com/gbRto2Ub3E
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) November 25, 2019
Scam
What is the irrigation scam case?
The Vidarbha Irrigation scam, which came to light in 2012, pertains to alleged corruption in the approval and execution of various irrigation projects across Maharashtra when the Congress-NCP government was in power from 1999-2014. Maharashtra's irrigation potential increased just 0.1% in a decade despite the government spending Rs. 70,000 crore. Ajit Pawar was among the ministers who held the irrigation portfolio during the time.
Information
Ironically, Fadnavis once promised to send Pawar to jail
Interestingly, back in 2014, Devendra Fadnavis had promised to send Ajit Pawar to jail over corruption charges. Quoting a line from the 1975 film Sholay, Fadnavis had then said, "Ajit dada would be chakki peesing, and peesing and peesing."
Twitter Post
Here's a clip of Fadnavis 2014 promise
#AjitPawar के खिलाफ #DevendraFadnavis का 'चक्की पीसिंग' बयान तेजी से हो रहा है वायरल, देखिए#Maharashtra #MaharashtraPolitics pic.twitter.com/F1Ssk3fS2h
— ABP News (@ABPNews) November 23, 2019
Maharashtra
CM Fadnavis, Deputy CM Pawar sworn-in on Saturday
Flash forward to 2019, Fadnavis and Pawar were sworn-in as the Chief Minister and the Deputy CM, respectively, on Saturday. The move has stirred a controversy, as the NCP has refused to back Pawar's decision. The Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress have moved the Supreme Court, claiming the Fadnavis-led government doesn't have a majority in the Assembly. The order is due Tuesday.