Mumbai: Amid the political row over the murder of a sarpanch, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday urged NCP workers in Beed district not to engage in extortion attempts targeting development projects.
Speaking at a gathering of party workers during his first visit to Beed after assuming charge as the district’s guardian minister, Pawar asserted that he would not hesitate to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those involved in such activities.
Pawar also made it clear that political interference in administrative matters would not be tolerated. His statement comes just days after he dissolved the Beed district NCP working committee following the involvement of Valmik Karad, a close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
‘No Political Interference, No Criminal Activities’
The deputy CM emphasised the need for maintaining a clean reputation, urging the workers to avoid associations with questionable individuals. “Our image in Beed must be positive. No one should be involved in wrongdoing. Political interference in administration will not be tolerated, and demanding extortion money for development projects is unacceptable,” he warned.
Pawar further stated that he had already discussed the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and secured his full cooperation in handling law and order in Beed. “I have told the police department that anyone caught displaying will have their licenses revoked. I will not tolerate social media reels flaunting weapons,” he asserted.
Planned Devpt for Beed
Outlining his vision for the district, Pawar said he would handle matters under his jurisdiction while discussing larger issues with the CM. He also assured that he would consult local representatives and ministers, including Dhananjay Munde and Pankaja Munde, before making major decisions.
Pawar, emphasised the call for change. “There are officers who have been stationed here for many years. I will review their roles and make necessary changes,” Pawar added.
Tensions at DPDC Meeting
The district planning and development council (DPDC) meeting saw heated exchanges between NCP MP Bajrang Sonawane, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas and Dhananjay Munde. Munde claimed that Beed’s officers were working under duress. Sonwane asked Munde to clarify who was responsible for instilling fear among officers. Meanwhile, Dhas raised concerns over misappropriation of public funds.
Munde also expressed his concerns about the increasing caste-based tensions in Beed. “This is not only affecting the general public but also the administration, causing an internal rift,” Munde said.
Suresh Dhas Alleges Fund Misuse
Amid the growing controversies, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas accused the previous administration of withdrawing funds through fraudulent means. He claimed that Rs73.36 crore was siphoned off through bogus bills during Dhananjay Munde’s tenure as Beed’s guardian minister.
Dhas revealed that he had already submitted relevant documents to Pawar’s personal assistant and, following Pawar’s instructions, would now file a formal written complaint.
