The state government on Monday announced an SIT investigation into allegations of corruption in irrigation projects. Dr Madhav Chitale, irrigation expert, will head the SIT. Other members of the SIT, its terms of references and deadline will be announced by December 31.
The announcement was made by water resources minister Sunil Tatkare in the legislative Assembly. The SIT will also investigate projects since 1995, which includes projects undertaken during the tenure of the Shiv Sena-BJP government from 1995 to 1999.
However, it was not clear whether the SIT will have the power to register criminal cases or not.
Immediately after Mr Tatkare made the announcement, opposition leader Eknath Khadse welcomed the decision and demanded that the SIT not include any officer who is facing accusations of corruption and Ajit Pawar should not be given any portfolio till the SIT investigation is complete. “The government should also declare terms of references and the deadline for the SIT investigation. Care should be taken not to include any officer who is being accused of corruption. How many members should be included in the SIT and from which departments or fields is the government’s prerogative. Also the investigation should be time bound,” Mr Khadse said.
Referring to a speech given by present state NCP chief Madhukar Pichad in the Assembly when the Sena-BJP government was in power, the Opposition leader said, “When an investigation was ordered into allegations against then minister Mahadev Shivankar, Mr Pichad had said that those facing charges should not remain in power otherwise they can influence the investigation. I am only reminding the CM about Mr Pichad’s speech. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar should not be given any portfolio to ensure unbiased investigation. In fact he should not be allowed to remain as the DCM.”
Shiv Sena MLA Baban Gholap also welcomed the decision and said that five working days of the Assembly would not have been wasted had the government announced the SIT investigation last week itself.
The Opposition has alleged that there was largescale corruption in irrigation projects to the tune of `70,000 crore.