Nawab Malik demands white paper on land deals

In the backdrop of land scam allegations against BJP-Shiv Sena ministers, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik has demanded that the government should issue a white paper. Mr Malik was referring to the allegations against former minister Eknath Khadse, water resources minister Girish Mahajan, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve and Shiv Sena minister Ravindra Waikar related to land grabs.

“The CM has said that he would inquire into land scams by the Congress-NCP ministers, but why only Congress-NCP A white paper should be issued from 1960 about the land purchase in the state. The CM should also check the transactions during their (BJP-Shiv Sena) regime,” he said. After BJP ministers were targeted by the opposition for alleged scams, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a probe into all land deals during the Congress-NCP regime.

It was alleged that Mr Khadse had purchased a piece land in Pune at a throwaway price and Mr Mahajan had bought Mahar Vatan land, which is not meant to be sold. Also, locals alleged that Mr Danve had grabbed land in Marathwada. The latest allegations were made against Mr Waikar over the misuse of land in Mumbai’s Aarey colony.

Meanwhile, Congress Mumbai unit president Sanjay Nirupam alleged Mr Waikar was responsible for an illegal construction at Goregaon Aarey colony and demanded his resignation.

“Waikar was sanctioned only 350 metres of land but he grabbed 20 acres. He has also constructed a one-storey building without permission. He has misused his position as housing minister and no action has been taken against him,” Mr Nirupam said.

However, Mr Waikar has refuted the allegations and said Nirupam had incomplete information.