The Congress party in Maharashtra has released documents that reveal business ties between graft accused state minister Ravindra Waikar's wife and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray's spouse, reported The Indian Express. According to the papers, made public by Sanjay Nirupam, the party's Mumbai unit chief, Rashmi Thackeray bought some property in Raigad with Manisha Waikar.
The minister of state for housing has been accused of misusing his power to give permission to projects for slum rehabilitation in Mumbai's Jogeshwari, his Assembly constituency. The Congress leader on Tuesday said a resort is being planned at the 19-acre property, which is valued at Rs 125 crore.
However, Waikar said, the property in question is all of 10 acres and it was bought for Rs 4 crore from his friend three years ago. “Let him bring a buyer who is willing to pay Rs 125 crore for the land. We will gladly sell the land to him and pay Nirupam a commission as brokerage,” the minister said.
The Opposition has also alleged that Waikar used public funds available to him as a legislator to build an unauthorised floor in a public gymnasium. Waikar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have denied the allegations.
Nirupam, however, contended that Fadnavis has struck a deal with the Sena chief, giving Waikar a clean chit in the case. "I have information that he [Fadnavis] was asked to shield Waikar over the accusations he faces. This was done on account of the business ties between Waikar and Matoshri [the Thackeray residence]," said the Congress leader. Calling the allegations baseless, the right-wing party refused to comment on the issue, according to the English daily.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!