Fadnavis asks ACB to probe NCP leadership

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, December 12

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today gave the green signal to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the state police to probe corruption charges against senior NCP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, former irrigation minister Sunil Tatkare and former PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau, which received several complaints against senior NCP leaders, had originally sought the permission of former Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan, sources said. But the Nationalist Congress Party withdrew support to the government days before the election.

The ACB will now conduct “open inquiries” against the NCP leaders, sources said today.

While there are allegations of corruption against Pawar and Tatkare over the award of contracts for irrigation projects, Bhujbal is accused of taking kickbacks from contractors entrusted with building the Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi.

As of now, the NCP leaders are putting up a brave front. “We have nothing to hide. Let them order whatever inquiry they want,” said NCP spokesman Nawab Malik.