Maharashtra’s political landscape has been hit by another controversy after the Parth Pawar land case, with Shiv Sena MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanjay Shirsat now accused of involvement in a massive CIDCO land scam in Navi Mumbai.
The dispute centres on the allocation of 61,000 sq m of prime CIDCO land, allegedly cleared during Shirsat’s tenure as CIDCO chairman. The plot, linked to the Bivalkar family, is estimated to be worth nearly ₹5,000 crore.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged that Shirsat approved the allotment despite earlier rejections and despite the matter being under consideration in the Supreme Court. Pawar said the state acted only after “repeated warnings” from the Supreme Court and directives from the Central Empowered Committee, which had previously cautioned the government that it would step in if no action was taken.
Pawar accused Shirsat of abusing his office to hand over valuable land to Yashwant Bivalkar, prompting the government to launch a review of all land parcels associated with the Bivalkar family.
Although Pawar welcomed the inquiry, he questioned the composition of the probe committee. He pointed out that the officer who issued the government resolution forming the committee was the same official who had earlier recommended the disputed allotment to the Bivalkars. Another officer appointed as the panel’s secretary had also played a role in the allotment process. “This is like appointing the accused as the investigator,” Pawar said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the alleged scam, assigning the Konkan Divisional Commissioner to head the probe.
Shirsat, responding to the allegations, said the committee had been formed and assured that appropriate action would follow “if anyone is found guilty”.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticised the government’s approach, arguing that some officials on the committee themselves face questions. He demanded the inclusion of a retired judge to ensure transparency and credibility in the investigation.
