Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday (November 8, 2025) alleged that Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik purchased a four-acre land parcel worth ₹200 crore in Mira Bhayandar for just ₹3 crore to establish an educational institute — a charge the minister has strongly denied, demanding proof of the claim.
The allegations come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar, whose firm’s ₹300-crore land deal in Pune’s Mundhwa area was recently cancelled after questions were raised over missing clearances.
Addressing the media, Wadettiwar claimed that the State Transport Minister acquired prime land near Mumbai at an “unbelievably low price,” adding that such transactions reflected the current state of governance in Maharashtra.
“Can a minister procure such valuable land for his personal educational institute? If this is permissible, then we might as well accept that this is Maharashtra under their rule,” Wadettiwar said, lashing out at the ruling government.
In response, Pratap Sarnaik dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. “Wadettiwar is a senior Congress leader, and I expect him to show documents to back his claims. I am unaware of any such land or connection to me. Ministers often face such unfounded accusations,” he said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reacting to the controversy, said no formal complaint had been received regarding the allegation. “These leaders prefer making accusations through the media rather than submitting proper complaints. If a formal complaint is filed, we will initiate an inquiry. Look at the recent Pune case — once it was officially raised, the state government immediately ordered a probe,” Bawankule stated.
The latest accusation has added to a series of high-profile land controversies in Maharashtra, sparking political tensions as opposition parties intensify their attacks on the Mahayuti government ahead of the upcoming local body polls.
