Don’t take Jayant Patil’s allegations over irrigation scam seriously: Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: NCP (AP) President and DyCM Ajit Pawar’s clarification about the irrigation scam has started a series of allegations and counter-allegations.

Ajit Pawar commented on the scam in a public meeting in Tasgaon-Sangli, the home turf of the late State Minister RR Patil. He alleged that RR Patil had stabbed him in the back. Pawar revealed that Fadnavis showed him the files undersigned by RR Patil related to an open investigation into the Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam.

Jayant Patil alleged that the BJP blackmailed Ajit Pawar over the scam. Replying to this, Fadnavis said, “Look at Jayant Patil’s face. He is merely playing a prank. There was a smile on his face when he levelled the allegation. Do not take him seriously.”

Jayant Patil’s allegations

In an interview to a news channel, Jayant Patil said, “Ajit Pawar’s comment indicates a bid to fuel bickering within the NCP (SP). You (Fadnavis) levelled allegations against Ajit Pawar when you were in the opposition. You investigated the scam when you came to power and then showed the files signed by RR Patil. That means you have been trying to widen the rift within our party since then. Ajit Pawar was blackmailed for 10 years by showing the files. Therefore, it becomes clear why Ajit Pawar wanted to join your party. He was blackmailed.

“I think that is why Ajit Pawar has been cornered. However, he has added to Fadnavis’s troubles. This has revealed the style of functioning of Devendra Fadnavis and his relations with Ajit Pawar in the past 10 years. Had he shown the file to the Leader of the Opposition, I would have known. But he (Ajit Pawar) was only an opposition MLA.”

Ajit Pawar’s statement

Commenting on the scam, Ajit Pawar said, “Devendra Fadnavis called me after becoming the Chief Minister in 2014 and showed the files undersigned by RR Patil, who issued the directive to the ACB for an open inquiry against me. I felt bad after knowing this. I had a feeling that RR Patil had stabbed me in the back.”