A political earthquake hit Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar, the influential Deputy Chief Minister, publicly owned up to flaws in the state’s irrigation portfolio. Over his 25-year reign as Water Resources Minister, projects ballooned from budgeted Rs 25,000 crore to a staggering Rs 70,000 crore, Pawar revealed, attributing it to hasty approvals and poor oversight.
In an interview that has pundits buzzing, Pawar reflected on decisions taken amid pressure to deliver water security. ‘Hindsight shows we could have been more vigilant,’ he remarked, sidestepping direct blame but fueling speculation about political motivations. Coming months before state elections, the timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
The BJP, ever opportunistic, seized the narrative with gusto. Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis accused Pawar of selective amnesia: ‘Why the 25-year silence? This confession reeks of election-time damage control.’ BJP workers are mobilizing, drawing parallels to past scams that nearly toppled governments.
Contextualizing the issue, Maharashtra’s irrigation woes stem from uneven monsoons and mismanaged funds. Iconic projects like the Babli barrage and Waghad Dam became symbols of graft, with CAG reports flagging irregularities. Pawar’s NCP faction, post its dramatic split and BJP tie-up, now grapples with legacy baggage that could sway rural votes.
Civil society isn’t buying the soft-pedaling either. Transparency activists are petitioning courts for a special investigation team, arguing that verbal admissions don’t suffice without asset seizures. As rival parties sharpen their attacks, Pawar’s gamble could either fortify his strongman image or unravel his carefully built empire. Maharashtra watches with bated breath.