CONTROVERSIES
Irrigation Scam — ₹70,000 Crore
Maharashtra Irrigation Dept under Ajit Pawar (Water Resources Minister 1999-2009, 2010-2014) saw ₹70,000 crore in contracts with 0% project completion in some cases. One of India's biggest water scam allegations. He was exonerated by NCP-Congress but investigated under BJP govt.
View SourceNCP Split — Joined BJP
Split NCP in July 2023 with 8 ministers, joined BJP-led Maharashtra govt as Deputy CM. Supreme Court stayed his 'rebel MLA' disqualification. Sharad Pawar (uncle/party founder) calls this a family and political betrayal.
View Source2019 Midnight Swearing-In Drama
In a dramatic midnight operation, Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy CM under Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) without NCP sanction. Lasted only 80 hours — collapsed when NCP MLAs refused to join. Called 'greatest political drama of Indian democracy' by observers.
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