BJP’s ‘Laundry Gate’: Pune Land Scam Accused Swati Pachundkar Joins Party in Ravindra Chavan’s Presence
• The Zilla Parishad Politics Behind Pune Land Scam Accused Entry
• The ₹18 Crore Ranjangaon Land Grab
• Political Protection Saga: From NCP to BJP’s Safe Haven
In an exclusive investigation, Sprouts News Special Investigation Team head Unmesh Gujarathi reveals how BJP inducted Swati Pachundkar, accused in an ₹18 crore Ranjangaon (district- pune) land scam. The move, made in the presence of minister Ravindra Chavan, is seen as political laundering ahead of the Pune Zilla Parishad polls and raises serious questions about ethical compromises in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
- BJP’s ‘Laundry Gate’: Pune Land Scam Accused Swati Pachundkar Joins Party in Ravindra Chavan’s Presence
- • The Zilla Parishad Politics Behind Pune Land Scam Accused Entry
- • The ₹18 Crore Ranjangaon Land Grab
- • Political Protection Saga: From NCP to BJP’s Safe Haven
- The Ranjangaon Land Grab Scandal Exposed
- Political Protection and BJP Entry
- Systemic Failures and Administrative Complicity
- Implications for Maharashtra Politics
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces serious allegations of sheltering tainted politicians. Accused in an ₹18 crore Ranjangaon land scam, former sarpanch Swati Pachundkar has joined the party. Her induction occurred amidst senior BJP leaders’ presence in Pune.
This strategic move aims to strengthen BJP’s position for the Pune Zilla Parishad elections. The party’s embrace of a corruption-accused individual has sparked political controversy. It raises questions about ethical standards in political recruitment.
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The Ranjangaon Land Grab Scandal Exposed
Swati Pachundkar stands accused of illegally seizing 72 guntha of gaothan land. The estimated value of this prime property reaches ₹18 crore. The fraud occurred systematically between 2009 and 2019 in Shirur taluka.
Pachundkar served as Ranjangaon sarpanch during 2016, leveraging her position illegally. She collaborated with the village secretary to execute this land scam. The property was illegally transferred to her father-in-law’s name. She was also a member of Pune Zilha Parishad during the decade.
The Mumbai High Court later intervened in this case. It directed authorities to take appropriate action against the accused. However, no substantial police action followed the court’s orders.
Political Protection and BJP Entry
Six months after the court’s directive, Pachundkar received BJP membership. Pune BJP leaders orchestrated her formal induction into the party. Local BJP MLA Rahul Kul and State President Ravindra Chavan presided over the ceremony.
This development suggests possible political protection for the accused. The timing indicates BJP’s desperation to win Zilla Parishad elections. Political opponents condemn this as ethical compromise for power.
Pachundkar previously belonged to Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Her political migration follows convenient patterns of political convenience. Her husband Dattatray Pachundkar now acts as a political kingmaker.
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Systemic Failures and Administrative Complicity
The land scam case reveals deeper administrative corruption. Police deliberately omitted Swati’s name from the initial FIR. This protection enabled her continued political ascendancy.
She subsequently became chairperson of Ranjangaon Devasthan despite allegations. This appointment raised suspicions about underhand deals. Former Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil eventually government-acquired the land.
The Sprouts News investigation uncovered this pattern of political protection. It demonstrates how corruption-accused individuals find safe havens in major parties. The system appears compromised at multiple levels.
Implications for Maharashtra Politics
This case represents the growing trend of political laundering in Maharashtra. Parties increasingly welcome tainted leaders for electoral gains. The BJP’s latest move confirms this disturbing pattern.
Pune’s political circles describe this as BJP’s aggressive electoral strategy. The party seems willing to compromise ethics for political dominance. This approach might influence other parties’ recruitment strategies.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team tracked this developing story. We will monitor legal proceedings and political repercussions. Maharashtra’s political morality hangs in balance amid these developments.
