Pune: BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar has been accused of illegally acquiring 34 acres of land belonging to Aundh Temple, marking yet another land-related controversy involving political figures in the state. Social activist Ram Khade has alleged that Padalkar seized the land without proper legal authorization.
Khade further claimed that former minister Chandrakant Patil and MLA Suresh Dhas were involved in facilitating this transaction. The matter has now raised questions about the government’s stance on such allegations.
In recent months, several politicians have been accused of corruption and land-related irregularities. Social activist Anjali Damania previously accused former minister Dhananjay Munde of corruption, while Anil Gote alleged that minister Jaykumar Rawal illegally acquired land belonging to a former president. Now, with Padalkar facing similar accusations, the Maha-Yuti government finds itself in a politically challenging situation.
According to Khade, the alleged land grab took place during the tenure of Chandrakant Patil, MLA Suresh Dhas, and Prakash Solanke. He has demanded an official inquiry into the role of these political figures in the land acquisition. Presenting documents to the media, Khade claimed that the transaction involved encroachment on religious property.
He has urged authorities to file a case against Padalkar and called for Chandrakant Patil’s resignation due to his alleged involvement in the deal.
Responding to the allegations, Gopichand Padalkar maintained that the land transaction was conducted legally and with proper government approval. He clarified that land not listed under the Charity Commissioner can be transferred with official government permission, provided taxes are paid and the land is reclassified from Class 3 to Class 1.
Padalkar emphasized that the transaction was an old one, carried out in compliance with legal norms. However, the controversy has intensified, with calls for a deeper investigation into the matter.
