Thursday, Mar 28, 2024 | Last Update : 05:41 PM IST

  Metros   Mumbai  29 Nov 2018  ACB DG’s irrigation scam affidavit a conspiracy: NCP

ACB DG’s irrigation scam affidavit a conspiracy: NCP

THE ASIAN AGE.
Published : Nov 29, 2018, 2:17 am IST
Updated : Nov 29, 2018, 2:17 am IST

Chhagan Bhujbal was the first party leader to come out in support of Ajit Pawar.

Chhagan Bhujbal
 Chhagan Bhujbal

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has termed an affidavit filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general (DG) in an alleged irrigation scam as a “conspiracy” to defame the party ahead of the general and Assembly elections. In the affidavit, NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been held responsible for the scam.

The ACB DG was asked to file the affidavit by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court.

NCP leaders Wedne-sday rushed to save their leader, blaming the Devendra Fadnavis-led government for political vindictiveness.

NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, “Elections are round the corner. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well aware that it will be washed out in these elections. So, this programme of defaming opposition leaders has been started now.”

Mr Bhujbal was the first party leader to come out in support of Mr Pawar Wednesday morning.

Later, NCP state chief, Jayant Patil, too, termed the ACB DG’s affidavit a conspiracy. “The government is on the back foot on a number of issues. People are angry with the government over issues such as reservation and drought management. So, it is now trying to divert the people’s attention away from these issues,” he said. He claimed that Mr Pawar was clean and justice would come his way in the alleged case.

Mr Pawar himself did not mention any conspiracy or politics behind the allegations. “I am cooperating with the inquiry. I have faith in the judicial system. As the matter is sub judice now, I have been advised by my lawyer not to say anything more on the issue. So, I won’t comment anything further,” he said.

Tags: chhagan bhujbal, ajit pawar