Mumbai: The Congress’ allegations against chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have created a stir among social activists. Veteran activist Medha Patkar has termed dubious land deals the “dark side of rehabilitation stories of project-affected people” and demanded a probe.
Ms Patkar, who has been fighting for the rights of project-affected people across the nation, said, “I have never seen before project-affected people getting land in such a prime spot. Also, the way this has been transferred to PAPs and sold by them is something new. This could start a trend where finally, PAPs will be cheated once again. So, this needs to be probed and action must
be taken.”
Anjali Damania has demanded an inquiry into the matter while RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has dubbed it as “disappointing”. Former judge B.G. Kolse-Patil has supported the demands for a judicial probe to make things clear.
The Mumbai Congress has claimed that Mr Fadnavis supported private developers in getting prime land in Navi Mumbai. The party has alleged a '1,767 crore scam helped by the urban development ministry, which is under Mr Fadnavis. According to the party, private developers bought the formerly reserved 24 acres given to eight farmers. However, due to de-notification, rates of the land will rise significantly, much to the developer’s advantage.
Ms Damania tweeted, “The press conference by Prithviraj Chavan and other Congress leaders said that Mr Fadnavis helped a private builder called Paradise Builder, acquire property worth '1,800 crore for just '3.5 crore. A judicial inquiry must be conducted immediately.”
Mr Kumbhar said, “We don't know the exact details but if the land of PAPs is being sold in such a manner under the watch of two strong ministries, it is really disappointing.”
Former judge Mr Kolse-Patil demanded, “There should be a judicial probe under which, the process of land allotment and sale should be investigated thoroughly. Was there a fixing of sale before land allotment and how files moved at such speed needs to be probed.”
